One in five Dorset police officers 'never have enough money' for essentials
It's one of the findings from the latest Pay and Morale Survey
There are concerns nearly one in five police officers across Dorset are planning to quit in the next two years.
The figures have been released as part of the latest Police Federation Pay and Morale report.
Most officers say there are struggling to pay their bills and they're facing high stress under increasing workloads.
85% of Dorset Police officers taking part in the survey say they feel ‘worse off’ financially now than they were five years ago, while 20% ‘never’ or ‘almost never’ have enough money to cover all their essentials.
16% of Dorset Police officers who responded to the survey said they intend to resign from the police service either ‘within the next two years’ or ‘as soon as they can’.
James Dimmack, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, said:
“These results are not unexpected and that statement in itself is alarming. Policing is constantly under scrutiny and officers are being assaulted and often vilified by the press and public alike.
“Alongside this, officers perform a uniquely challenging role consistently placing themselves in danger to protect others and preserve the peace under which we all live.
“By doing this, officers are clearly not being appropriately remunerated and it seems officers are looking at alternative avenues. Policing has always been about more than money it is about making a difference. The officers of Dorset make a difference every minute of every day. We can’t rely on that good will we have to nurture it appreciate it and ultimately reward it.
“The levels of stress, sickness and violence suffered by our officers cannot be accepted.”
Other findings in the survey included 14% of officers suffering injuries that required medical attention as a result of work-related violence in the last year.
62% of respondents from Dorset Police said that over the last 12 months, their workload has been ‘too high’ or ‘much too high’.
More than 80% of Dorset staff said they'd experienced feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety, or other difficulties with their health and wellbeing over the last 12 months, and 47% said that they find their job ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressful.
The survey is based on 289 responses received from Dorset Police officers.