A fundamental overhaul of police pay and bonuses is necessary if forces are to effectively protect the public in the economic crisis, a senior officer has said.
Humberside Chief Constable Tim Hollis said a shake-up will give senior officers "critical flexibility" to maintain services amid a massive spending squeeze.
He said changes to save cash could reduce the potential impact on the frontline numbers of police officers and staff.
His comments come after a document passed by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) to the Government outlined potential savings.
Members suggested scrapping a host of additional payments and bonuses as well as reducing the amount of overtime paid for working on public holidays. Other arrangements, including compensation for cancelled rest days, may also be changed or axed completely.
Speaking on behalf of Acpo, Mr Hollis said: "We are facing the biggest spending cuts to policing in recent memory and the pace of change is daunting.
"Chief officers are absolutely committed to doing all they can to ensure that front line policing services are maintained.
"We absolutely recognise the need to reward our hard working police officers and recognise their unique status as office holders who must be available to respond to need at any time and have no ability to strike. Notwithstanding these points, Acpo believes that the development of a modern pay and reward framework is essential and timely."
The Government review of police pay and conditions is already behind schedule but is expected to report back in January next year with sweeping changes.
Police have been criticised for a £450 million a year overtime bill and other "out-of-date" remuneration rules. Earlier this week, new figures released by the Metropolitan Police revealed five constables boosted their wages by £50,000 with overtime.
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