POLICE in Gloucestershire have hit back at claims that the force’s chief constable is effectively working four day weeks.

Suzette Davenport is among a number of top police officials to be named by the Daily Mail as it hits out at rules that allow chiefs to set their own holidays.

A freedom of information request revealed that Ms Davenport had 64 days when not working or on call in her first full year in the job, as well as 79 days spent on call but with no diary commitments, with 215 days based in the office and on call.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Constabulary said that the chief constable role was an “around the clock” one and that Ms Davenport “is completely dedicated to the role”.

“The responsibilities of a chief constable are 24 hours a days, seven days a week and chief constable Davenport is completely dedicated to the role – regularly working around the clock both in and out of the office to fulfil her duties. 

“Police regulations specify that all chief constables must take at least 48 days completely away from their work, during which the deputy or assistant chief constable assumes their responsibilities. 

“These days aren’t comparable to most people’s annual leave as they include weekend days.”

Police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Gloucestershire Martin Surl said that all contracts for chief police officers are subject to conditions set by the Home Office.

Mr Surl said: “All chief officers’ contracts are subject to terms and conditions that are laid down by the Home Office and Suzette Davenport receives no enhancement for working in Gloucestershire. 

“Police regulations take no notice of weekends and bank holidays because of shift patterns. They are referred to as rest days and should not be included in an overall figure for annual leave. 

“It would be like saying a person who works a five day week and has every weekend and Bank Holiday off starts with 112 days of annual leave.

“The existing terms and conditions for joining the police were laid down in the 1960s. 

“New clauses have been added since then which may have led to issues around interpretation but it is not the job of PCCs to tamper with regulations that are contained in legislation.”

A statement released by the Chief Police Officers Staff Association defended Ms Davenport, saying that a balance must be struck to allow the best candidates to be attracted to and retained in top policing roles.

“The provisions for police pay, allowances and expenses are set by the Home Office and overseen through locally elected police and crime commissioners,” the statement said.

“The Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA), on behalf of all chief officers, has long sought clarity on the national remuneration framework, including allowances and annual leave, and continues to do so. 

“We favour absolute consistency and transparency on these issues, with investigations and appropriate action against any misuse.

“There is a concern - shared by CPOSA, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Home Office and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary - that the number of applicants for top positions in the service is declining.  

“Any system must strike the right balance between fair reward and value for taxpayers, allowing us to attract and retain talent across the country.”