Police constable earns £100,000 - graduate jobs

A constable in the Metropolitan Police - basic pay £35,000 - has earned more than £100,000 in one year, according to latest figures.

The Met has refused to identify where the officer works, but those involved in Royal protection overseas are traditionally among the best paid.

The Met, which operates a graduate entry scheme, has revealed that 38 officers earned six-figure sums in the last financial year, as did 20 civilian staff, including three members of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA).

Overtime costs the 43 police forces in England and Wales £485 million a year, and these latest revelations will likely raise questions about police remuneration.

Says a spokesman: "Officers' total earnings can include salary, overtime, allowances and bonuses as appropriate. Overtime is only called upon when it is essential to maintain operational effectiveness."

Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson, who took the top job permanently in January, was paid £253,622.