“Low morale will deplete service of experience and talent”

THE police service is likely to lose years of valuable experience thanks poor morale caused by the Government’s attack on pay and conditions, Essex Police Federation has said.

Around 5,000 officers have said they are planning to leave the service in the next two years, according to a survey carried out by the Police Federation of England and Wales. Of the 32,000 officers who responded, 94% said they believed morale in the service was low or very low.

The survey found 94% of officers believe morale in the service was low, compared with 62% in the armed forces, who were asked the same question.

And changes to shifts at Essex Police could be the final straw, said Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation.

He said: “People are looking at the situation in Essex, they are looking at the changing shift patterns and they are saying, “well if it changes to that shift pattern I will just leave. I’m gone.”

“I don’t think the Government wants people to stay in policing for a long time. They don’t want it to be seen as a long term career. They want people to step in and step out so they don’t build up a big pension. Look at Winsor and the Government’s approach to pay and pensions. Winsor even suggested short term contracts. And with the changes that are going on with pay and conditions, people are just going to say “enough is enough”.”

The service will be depleted of experience and talent as a result, Mr Smith said.

He added: “People with five or six years’ experience are saying, “I can’t live the life I want to lead. I am going to get another job.” But policing isn’t just another job. Its a vocation.”

Speaking this month, Sir Peter Fahy, vice president of ACPO and chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said: “All parts of the public sector are reporting low morale among staff. There is concern at low pay increases, lack of promotion opportunities and the likely impact of further budget cuts with fewer staff to do more work.

“Policing is no different but there is also a weariness at what is seen as constant negative press coverage, a blame culture looking for fault rather than learning lessons and a feeling that the realities of some of the social problems the police are having to deal with are just not appreciated.

“Despite all this our staff are doing a magnificent job and victim satisfaction and public confidence in policing are being maintained. Police leaders recognise the pressures their staff are under and are working on many local initiatives to try and improve welfare and staff well-being.”