Assumptions and pay data
- Annex O para 1(b), from 1/4/2026, officers appointed before 1/4/2025: 25 days under 6 years' service, 26 at 6, 27 at 7, 28 from 8 to 10, 29 from 11 to 15 and 30 from 16 years.
- Officers appointed from 1/4/2025 have their own table, reaching 30 days at 10 years' service, and Direct Entry inspectors have another. The calculator shows the pre-2025 scale.
- Annex O counts leave in 8-hour days, so 25 days is 200 hours. Part-time officers get leave pro-rata to their hours.
- Public holidays: the calculator adds 8. If you work one, Annex H decides what you get back: constables and sergeants are paid an allowance (with another day off as well at short notice), and inspectors and chief inspectors get a day's leave in lieu within 12 months, as far as duty allows.
Annual Leave Calculator
England & WalesPolice forcePay points from 1/9/2025
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Guide for Detective Constable
This guide summarises contractual annual leave for Detective Constable under Police pay (England & Wales) at Police. Part-time staff receive a pro-rata share based on contracted hours.
Annual leave for Detective Constable
As Detective Constable at Police, annual leave usually follows Police (England & Wales). A full-time employee with around three years' service might receive about 25 days (200 hours at typical full-time hours) per year, before pro-rating for part-time hours. Bank holiday treatment varies; check whether they are included in the stated total. Part-time staff receive a pro-rata share based on contracted weekly hours.
Example scenario
Example at 2 years' service and 8-hour days: 25 days plus 8 public holidays, the Annex O scale for officers appointed before 1/4/2025
| Sector terms (example) | Police (England & Wales) |
|---|---|
| Years of service (example) | 2 |
| Annual leave days (example) | 25 |
| Hours (full-time example) | 200 |
Frequently asked questions
How much annual leave do police officers get?
Under Annex O, officers appointed before 1/4/2025 get 25 days a year at first, rising a day at a time to 30 days after 16 years' service, plus public holidays. Superintendents and above have their own fixed allowance.
I joined on or after 1/4/2025. Is my leave different?
Yes. New entrants have their own table: 25 days until 6 years' service, then a day more each year, reaching 30 days at 10 years. Before 6 years both tables give 25 days, so the calculator's figure is right for you until then.
Is the scale changing?
Yes. From 1/4/2027, officers appointed before 1/4/2025 reach 30 days at 10 years' service, as new entrants do. The calculator shows the scale in force now.
How is part-time leave worked out?
In proportion to your hours. At 24 hours a week (60% of 40), 25 days becomes 15 days, or 120 hours.
What if you join, are promoted or retire part way through the year?
Annex O gives one twelfth of the year's leave for each complete month, and part of a day counts as a whole day. Use “Pro-rate to part of the year” for an estimate and check the exact figure with your force.
Do PCSOs and police staff get the same?
No. They are police staff, with at least 24 days rising to 29 after 5 years under Police Staff Council terms. The PCSO annual leave calculator shows that scale.
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About this role
What is a Detective Constable?
A Detective Constable (DC) investigates crime; they are a detective rather than uniformed. They hold the same rank as PC. Pay is on the national police pay scale.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Detective work offers variety and impact. Pay and satisfaction depend on force and role. Progression to detective sergeant and above is common.
What is my annual leave entitlement?
Use the figures on this page for your sector’s leave rules, including pro-rata for part-time where that applies. Teachers under STPCD use directed time and school holidays instead of a separate leave pot. Always check your contract or school calendar for exact dates.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not legal or HR advice. Your contract and your employer's policy decide your actual entitlement.