Angry Police officers battling for a better pay contract are set for a showdown with Government chiefs after talks came to a halt.

The Police union has even convened an emergency general meeting to discuss the crisis after representatives were told pay demands would not be met.

Now leaders of the Police Association -- the union which represents officers up to Chief Inspector -- are weighing up their options before addressing members tomorrow afternoon.

Police have been offered a basic 2.98 percent pay increase.

But civil servants have balked on major recommendations outlined in the Mowbray report, a study commissioned by former Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness last year.

The report suggested officers should be given a "combined allowance'' of between six and 10 percent of their salaries -- to cover unsociable hours and the requirement to turn up for duty 15 minutes early.

But new Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox wants the fee to be phased in over a four-year period.

The Mowbray report also recommended Police should get more annual leave.

But Government chiefs are refusing to backdate the extra days to October 1, 1997, when the last Police contract ran out.

Instead, they want the extra leave days to run on officers' contracts from January 1, 1999.

And Cabinet Ministers are also scoffing at suggestions that long service pay should be increased for officers after every six years of service.

Police Association sources say the Government has refused point-blank to dish out the long-service pay.

Association Chairman Sgt. Mike Jackman would not comment on the talks breakdown last night.

But he said: "We are holding the emergency general meeting and the Police Association will have an official stance after that EGM.'' Another Police Association source said officers were upset, angry and frustrated at the way they were being treated by the Government.

He added: "We have a Government that doesn't want to support us. That's why people are getting mad.

"We are already 40 officers below strength and that will increase by 15 to 20 officers by the end of the year.

"Plus, the national recruitment campaign will not put Police on the streets until January 2000.

"The membership are frustrated because we are working under strength and we are not getting what we deserve. It upsets Police officers that we are being treated in this manner.'' Police plot next move Officers had already been growing restless that no new contract had been worked out for them since September 30, 1997.

That was when they were given a 2.1 percent "cost of living adjustment'' on a temporary basis.

Ms Cox denied the contract talks were in crisis last night, saying: "The negotiations are continuing.

"They haven't broken down. We're just in the process of negotiations.

Meetings have taken place recently in this Ministry and those negotiations are carrying on in good faith.

"What happens at the Police Association meeting on Friday is another matter.'' Shadow Minister Michael Dunkley said: "It's a fact that the talks have broken down and the Police will not just be talking shop at this meeting, they will be planning their next moves.

"There's a manpower shortage, there's low morale and this is a very delicate situation we should all be concerned about.'' The Royal Gazette revealed earlier this month that overtime had cost the Police an extra $500,000 last year.

Basic pay for Police constables is $36,000. Sergeants are on $47,000, inspectors are on $57,000 and chief inspectors start on $63,000.