Coventry’s police force is being accused of insulting former officers by asking them back as volunteers just weeks after they were pushed into retirement.
Former motorway cop Simon Westwood also volunteered to work for nothing after being forcibly retired under rule A19
Around 300 of the region’s most experienced officers have lost their jobs after a controversial rule – A19- which forces anyone with 30 years service into retirement – was officially brought in on April 1st.
In the past few days letters have been sent to them all, offering them the chance to return to the force – but as voluntary Special Constables.
Former PC John Rollason has signed up – but he says a lot of his old colleagues are furious:
“Everyone’s first reaction was a big belly laugh you know, how dare they after what they’ve done to us and then you could feel the anger from people, actually they felt quite hurt about it, that’s how much they think of us.”
“It shows that you’re actually needed, that having got rid of so many of us it is going to have an effect that they do need us back there. But why should we go back and do it for nothing?”
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said:
“West Midlands Police were approached by an officer who was retiring under A19 and re joining as a Special Constable. He wished to write to his colleagues to ask them to consider remaining as a Special Constable upon retirement.
“Retiring officers can offer unique skills and experience which could benefit our communities if they are interested in volunteering as a Special Constable.
“West Midlands Police will support officers retiring under A19 who wish to consider this option.”
Why end there? Why not sack older teachers and nurses and ask them to work for nothing as well? It would save a fortune on the public sector wages bill
