Police Federation report reveals crisis within the ranks
The majority of Devon and Cornwall Police officers are struggling financially, with nearly a quarter looking to leave.
More than three-quarters of police officers in Devon and Cornwall say they are in worse financial shape than five years ago, with nearly one in five unable to afford basic necessities, according to a damning new report released.
The 2024 Police Federation Pay and Morale Report reveals a deepening crisis within the force, as rising living costs and stagnant wages fuel growing dissatisfaction, to the point where nearly a quarter of officers are considering quitting their jobs altogether.
Despite a 4.75 percent pay increase this year, real-terms police pay has fallen by 20% since 2010, leaving many wondering how long they can afford to serve.
Worryingly, the survey, which included 1024 responses from Devon and Cornwall Police officers, revealed that 23% of officers plan to resign from the force either ‘within the next two years’ or ‘as soon as [they] can’.
Rob Greening, secretary of the Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, stated, “The pay and morale survey for Devon and Cornwall Police makes stark reading, and unfortunately, when compared to previous years, the situation does not appear to be improving.”
“Our members work in extremely stressful and dangerous situations to provide the public with the safety and protection they expect and deserve.” Governments appear to have lacked the same level of commitment to the police service over the years, allowing police officer pay to fall by more than 20% in real terms.
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“Our members are aware that public finances have been pushed over the last 15 years and that they should bear some responsibility for the necessary cuts. However, 15 years of government cutbacks and low funding have led to our current situation.”
He added: “We cannot afford to lose experience on the front lines of policing. The public’s safety is dependent on officers knowing their jobs and being able to detect small clues that indicate a member of the public is in danger.
“Officer workloads are unmanageable, which leads to mistakes and the failure to recognise warning signs.
“Officer numbers have increased by approximately 4,000 since 2010, while the UK population has increased by 5.5 million. Investigations have become far more complex as technology has advanced, and the case files officers create to ensure offenders are charged in court have become unnecessarily complicated and time-consuming to complete.
“A perfect storm has been brewing for the past 15 years, and it has finally hit land. Officers are refusing to put up with rising expectations and heavy workloads, a lack of perceived respect from the government, and constant pay awards that are lower than inflation, and they are voting with their feet. Our members joined the police to serve and protect the public, but they currently believe they are unable to do so to the best of their abilities.
“If the government wants a police service that they can be proud of, we must retain experienced officers who can pass on their knowledge to those with less experience.
“To accomplish this, many changes must be implemented; however, a quick win for the government is to sit up and listen to the officers.” What the cops take home is criminal. Officers have had enough. Things need to change.
Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan responded to the report, saying: “The pay and morale survey from the Police Federation of England and Wales is always important to us, and I want officers to know that we will take the time to scrutinise the report and discuss the issues in detail with Federation representatives in Devon and Cornwall.”
“Policing remains a difficult job, and despite increased demand and limited resources, our dedicated officers continue to fight crime and protect the public every day to keep Devon and Cornwall safe.”
“Since my appointment in December 2024, I’ve met with over 2000 officers and staff at stations across the force area to learn about their roles and hear their perspectives, challenges, and ideas. I will continue to spend time with employees and officers to determine where assistance is required to protect our workforce and boost morale.
PCC Alison Hernandez and new Chief Constable James Vaughan (Devon and Cornwall Police)
“I’m also nearing the end of a series of roadshows that have allowed me to meet with all Sergeants and Inspectors, learn about the challenges they face, and establish Force priorities and expectations, with a focus on improving our standards, behaviour, and culture.
“The survey results show that officers across the country, not just in Devon and Cornwall, see workloads as an issue. The number of officers on the frontlines is an important factor in this, and one of my top priorities has been to return officers to the frontlines by reviewing our senior ranks, beginning with the chief officer team.
“Following a very successful Uplift programme, we now have a record number of officers, who are supported by professional and capable enabling departments and a strong volunteer cadre.
“Officer numbers will continue to rise thanks to the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, an investment in neighbourhood policing that will support the recruitment of more neighbourhood officers in the coming years while also relieving pressure on our frontline.
“I want every member of the organisation to feel confident that their well-being is being taken seriously and that they are receiving adequate support. I am committed to making sure officers know we are listening and that they feel valued and supported.
“While some survey factors, such as pay, are beyond our control, we will continue to provide advice and support on topics such as financial assistance to everyone in Devon and Cornwall Police, including referrals to those who can help.
“Devon and Cornwall Police is made up of amazing officers and staff and we are committed to continuing to make improvements for all those who work so hard to keep our counties safe.”
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