THE 16 Avon and Somerset Police employees who earn at least £100,000 deserve their high salaries, according to force bosses.

A Freedom of Information response revealed that three of the constabulary’s top earners topped £150,000 in 2013-14.

A spokesman for the TaxPayers’ Alliance, which elicited the figures, said Avon and Somerset had more people on £100,000 than any other force in the South-West.

He added: “Taxpayers are grateful to the men and women who risk their lives to keep the public safe, and those who manage tough jobs well deserve good pay.

“However, there are too many examples of enormous payouts and a lack of accountability for those who fail to do their job.

“This research allows taxpayers to assess whether they get value for their money.”

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said salaries are set by a national pay scale, with pay over £100,000 “reflecting the responsibility of the post”.

He added: “The pay awarded to Avon and Somerset officers during 2013-14 is in proportion with other forces throughout England and Wales and is in line or sometimes inferior to those received by senior positions within local authorities, fire services and those within the private sector.

“Avon and Somerset is one of the largest non-metropolitan constabularies in the country and as such we have a number of highly skilled and experienced employees who are remunerated accordingly.”

The force’s chief constable Nick Gargan was on a salary of just over £150,000 before he resigned last month following his suspension in May last year.

He was subsequently found guilty of eight counts of misconduct and given eight final written warnings before stepping down.