Explanatory note

These Regulations (which apply in England and Wales) amend the Police Regulations 1995 (“the principal Regulations”).

Regulation 4 amends the principal Regulations to insert a new regulation conferring a right on a female member of a police force to take special leave to receive ante-natal care. Together with the amendment made by regulation 7, regulation 4 also makes fresh provision in respect of maternity leave. Under regulation 46A, as inserted by regulation 7, the first three months of maternity leave continue to be paid, subject to the conditions in regulation 46A(2) being satisfied. However, the entitlement to maternity leave has been altered. The requirement in the existing regulation 36(3) of the principal Regulations for a certificate of pregnancy from a registered medical practitioner is no longer required. Under regulation 36A(2), as inserted, the female member can give a notice stating that she is pregnant; if challenged, she would need to provide a certificate but that could be given by a registered midwife or registered health visitor as well as by a registered medical practitioner. Regulation 9 is consequential on these changes.

Regulations 3(b) and 5(c) amend the principal Regulations so that, in reckoning service for the purposes of probation and pay, account is taken of maternity leave.

Regulation 8 amends regulation 47 of the principal Regulations so that the deductions from pay in respect of certain social security benefits which are authorised by regulation 47 apply only when the member of a police force is on full pay.

Regulations 10 and 11 alter the rates of pay for all ranks and amend the categories which determine pay for members of police forces of the rank of superintendent. Regulation 6 increases the pay of superintendents when they act for a period in excess of 7 days for superintendents in higher pay categories. Regulation 12 increases a dog handler’s allowance.

By virtue of regulation 1(3), the regulations there cited have effect from dates before the coming into force of these Regulations. Retrospection is authorised by section 33(4) of the Police Act 1964.