Stand-in Staffordshire Chief Constable to get pay rise
The new Temporary Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police will receive a pay rise while he stands in for Gareth Morgan, who is away from the force leading a training course.
Chief Constable Mr Morgan is taking four months off to lead the College of Policing's Strategic Command Course which prepares up-and-coming officers for top roles across the UK.
Nick Baker has stepped up from Deputy Chief Constable to take on the role of Temporary Chief Constable until April, but it has emerged he will get an increase in pay for his four-month stint in the top job.
The Chief Constable is paid around £150,000 a year, while the deputy gets between £120,000 and £125,000.
Staffordshire Police said Mr Baker "will receive the appropriate remuneration for the role in line with national policy".
George Adamson, leader of Cannock Chase Council, believes the money could be better spent elsewhere.
He said: "It is normal procedure but when we have lost so many police officers the money could be better utilised on frontline services.
"I appreciate it's more responsibility but the deputy is on a damn good wage."
A spokeswoman said: "Nick Baker has stepped up to become Temporary Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police until Chief Constable Gareth Morgan resumes his role in the spring.
"During this time CC Baker will receive the appropriate remuneration for the role in line with national policy."
Mr Adamson also questioned the Mr Morgan's decision to leave the force until the spring.
"He has not been in the post that long. It is concerning he is disappearing. Although it's all for a good cause it's not good for the running of Staffordshire Police," he said.
