1 in 10 officers in Wiltshire plan to leave the force, survey reveals
Main reasons quoted are low morale and dissatisfaction with pay
Wiltshire Police could lose over one tenth (12%) of its officers within two years amid low morale and dissatisfaction over pay, according to an annual survey.
Across England and Wales, close to one fifth of officers (18%) plan to quit within the next two years for the same reasons, research suggests.
The annual survey by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) also found that 19% of officers polled never or almost never have enough money to pay for essentials.
The Federation, which represents more than 130,000 officers up to the rank of chief inspector, published the results of its yearly Pay and Morale Survey on Wednesday.
Of the 36,669 officers who responded, 18% said they planned to resign either as soon as possible or within the next two years.
The top reasons were morale (98%), how the police are treated by the Government (96%) and pay (95%).
More than four in five (83%) of those surveyed said they were "dissatisfied" or "very dissatisfied" over pay.
_"If we were to lose that amount of officers that quickly in Wiltshire, I don't understand how policing can continue"_
Of the 45% of officers in Wiltshire who responded to the survey, around 9 in 10 feel morale is "low" or "very low", and 16% say they are struggling to pay for essentials.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Phil Matthews, Chair of the Wiltshire Police Federation, said those are not the most alarming figures in his opinion.
"The officers who are struggling to make ends meet are all across the ranks.
"We're in a position now where 70% of cops in Wiltshire are saying they wouldn't recommend joining the police anymore.
"To me, that's the most alarming thing - no matter what the pay and conditions ever where, people would always recommend that you join the job.
"We've got officers that are suffering mental health crisis because of the pressure that's on them. You add the cost of living crisis, the pressures at work and everything that goes into it.
"If we were to lose 12% of officers - if that figure is realistic and the guys and gals saying they want to go do go - I don't understand how the public can feel safe in Wiltshire with just not enough police officers."
In response, the Government says it "remains on track to hire 20-thousand news officers by March".
But Phil Matthews says more needs to be done to keep experienced officers on the job.
"The pay award that the Government gave officers wasn't the worst they've ever done, this year, with some of the newer officers receiving as much as 8% (increase).
"Those in higher ranks - like Chief Inspectors - only saw about 3%. So our Chief Inspectors and Inspectors who have worked their way through their careers - we're talking 15+ years - they're also quite dissatisfied, they also have low morale.
"As far as guaranteeing a level of service, if the majority of our cops are going to be young in service, you're not going to get that level of service from somebody.
"If we're not looking after out higher ranking officers and the experience that we've got particularly in our front lines, within our specialist investigations, CID and domestic violence units - then you're not going to see that level of service at the speed, pace and dedication that it needs."
Police chiefs in Wiltshire have responded to the Pay and Morale survey published this Wednesday.
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable, Keir Pritchard, said:
“The results of the local Police Federation Pay and Morale Survey are obviously of concern to myself and the wider Executive Leadership Team.
“As Chief Constable, the survey results are a sobering read and I remain totally committed to doing everything in my power to ensure the wellbeing and morale of all our officers, staff and volunteers.
“I know just how crucial it is that those protecting our communities - especially those on the frontline - are both happy and healthy, physically and mentally.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, added:
“In order for the public to receive the police service they want, and deserve, it is essential that our police officers are given the best possible training, equipment, support generally, alongside strategic leadership and direction.
“Wiltshire Police has faced repeated performance criticisms over the last six months so these low morale figures are, unfortunately, not surprising.
"A lot of expectation is placed on police officers and there is an increased, and repeated, demand for them to take on the duties of the other emergency services, which is having a major negative impact upon their ability to deliver the core policing functions which inspired them to join the police in the first place. It is little wonder why our officers feel so frustrated.
Last month, Wiltshire PCC, Philip Wilkinson, blamed Wiltshire Police's senior leadership of being responsible for the police's continued failings after a review by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary showed the force had failed to make meaningful improvements six months into being placed under special measures.
What's being said nationally
The Police Federation said officers have faced a real-terms pay cut of more than 20% since 2010, rising to 30% for officers on the lowest pay levels.
PFEW national chairman Steve Hartshorn said:
"Police officers are reaching breaking point and are leaving the service in their droves as every element of their pay and conditions has been gradually eroded in the space of a decade.
"Record numbers are resigning over inadequate pay and conditions. We are losing some exceptional officers simply because they cannot afford to stay in the service, with an alarming number unable to afford monthly essentials.
"The latest figures indicate 8,117 police officers left the service in England and Wales in the year ending March 2022 - the highest number of leavers since comparable records began, and at least 1,800 of those officers who joined under the Government's Uplift Programme have already voluntarily resigned."
Police forces have been asked to recruit 20,000 officers over a three-and-a-half-year period up to March 2023, to replace those axed during austerity.
Officers have also faced having to cover for other emergency services during recent strikes, when they themselves do not have the right to take industrial action.
Mr Hartshorn added:
"The results of our survey clearly illustrate the anger and disillusionment of police officers across England and Wales.
"Many have stopped expecting any recognition from the Government for their unique responsibilities and the restrictions imposed on their industrial rights which is, quite frankly, dangerous.
"Being able to protect the public effectively rests on a knife edge.
"Without sufficient investment in policing, we will see a further detrimental rise in resignations, and officers will not be able to keep up with the new technology innovations criminals use, will not be able to stretch resources to attend all crimes, and, ultimately, will not be able to keep our communities safe from the rise in violent crime.
"It is paramount the service is provided with long-term investment, instead of single-year settlements to futureproof the service. The Government must listen and not ignore the needs of the service because they do not have the right to strike."
A Home Office spokesman said:
"Policing is a career like no other and we need officers to keep communities safe and cut crime. We are injecting record funds into policing and giving officers the support, training and powers they need to crack down on crime.
"The Government remains on track to deliver its pledge to recruit 20,000 police officers by March 2023. The overwhelming majority of new recruits recently surveyed report positive job satisfaction and want to remain officers for the rest of their working lives."