SDU has recruitment problems

THE elite Special Duties Unit still has recruitment problems because an enhanced salary package has yet to be approved.

The counter-terrorist agency last year said it needed to boost pay and work conditions to attract officers. It was proposed recruits entering at constable rank should be paid a sergeant's wages. This would mean a raise of between $4,000 and $5,000 a month, in addition to special allowances of up to $1,500. Constables earn between $11,240 and $16,105. It has not been proposed constables would be promoted but that their pay would be boosted during their attachment.