The Queen and other spongers of the royal family are to be assigned up to 150 extra armed protection officers because of “health and safety” fears about the team already entrusted with their security.
Apparently the current squad of 400 special Plod are unable to cope with the punishing schedule of the royal ponces and some to work up to 70 hours a week, particularly on foreign trips. The strain is softened by overtime payments of up to £20 000 to £30 000 a year. That's on top of their normal salary. The decision to boost the team by up to 150 officers has prompted concerns about mainstream policing as Dibble sources say staff are being diverted from front line duties.
The money to pay for bodyguards for royals, diplomats and politicians comes from a special Home Office grant, but the size of the grant is kept secret. Why, I wonder? If the tax payer coughs for the bill, why shouldn't they know exactly how much it comes to? Experts estimate the cost of protecting the royals is about £60 million a year.
A recent survey found that 19 of the 43 forces in England and Wales cut their officers last year because of budgetary restraints. More forces are expected to cut staff at a time when the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file recruits, says the service needs an extra 2 000 officers.
Kinda brings it into perspective, doesn't it?
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