Cuts to policing taking its toll on Detectives
Detective officers in England and Wales are feeling the strain from the added pressure resulting from the excessive cuts to policing.
Survey results published today voice the concerns of over 4,000 detective officers in England and Wales. The pressure on this vital role in policing is taking its toll, with 96% of respondents finding the job stressful, 28% of which find it very stressful.
Among the results:
56% of respondents said their workload had increased substantially in the last three years, which has led 80% to feel under pressure.
67% of respondents feel emotionally drained from work.
78% of respondents said work keeps them away from family and social activities more than they would like.
When off-duty, 72% are contacted by their force concerning current case work, at least once a month.
Notably, 78% of respondents think the police service to the public has deteriorated – of which 29% think that it has seriously deteriorated.
The results of this survey demonstrate the stark reality of investigative policing today; the increasing pressures and resulting detrimental impact on work-life balance.
Detective officers fulfil an essential role in policing, yet this is being eroded.
Officers are not only seeing an increase in workloads but in many force areas experienced officers are being redeployed, leaving the service through their own volition or as a result of the enforcement of A19.
Workloads and expectations continue to increase. Officer numbers and specialist units are reducing. Yet, public safety must be maintained.
These results demonstrate that officers are feeling the strain of doing more with less. The concern is how much can they continue to take?
The results of this survey highlight some very real concerns that will ultimately have an impact on public safety.
Paul Ford, Secretary, Police Federation’s National Detectives’ Forum, said:
“These results give me great cause for concern as the safety and welfare of our members and the public is paramount. The dedication of officers throughout the country is unquestionable as they continue to fulfil the expectations placed on them in the face of very real pressure.
“In the long-term, something has to give. We cannot ignore the potential over-riding consequences of doing more with less, the most significant being public safety.”
“We need to be mindful that crime and the threats faced by the public and wider society continue to rapidly change and evolve. Criminals are continuing to exploit new technologies and we must be equipped to deal with this.
“We must future proof policing, investing in the service for everyone’s sake. It is not a luxury, it is a necessity.”
Notes:
• The National Detectives’ Survey was conducted by the PFNDF and was open from 2nd September 2013 – 22nd September 2013.
• The purpose of the survey was to gauge the opinion of detective officer throughout the country, the current challenges facing the role, how officers feel in their role and what matters to them in the current policing landscape.
• Detective officers throughout England and Wales were invited to participate in the survey.
• The survey received 4,251 responses, from the rank of DC to DCI.
• Survey results will be available to view online at www.polfed.org or alternatively, email media@polfed.org
