03-05-2025
Almost a quarter of Devon and Cornwall Police officers plan to leave according to new survey
Nearly a quarter of Devon and Cornwall Police officers intend to resign from police service 'within the next two years' or 'as soon as [they] can' according to a new survey.
The 2024 Police Federation of England and Wales Pay and Morale report found that 57% said they were facing low morale.
The organisation surveyed 1,024 Devon and Cornwall Police officers and also found that:
77% feel 'worse off' financially now than they were five years ago
17% 'never' or 'almost never' have enough money to cover all their essentials
65% are dissatisfied with their pay
71% say they do not feel valued within the service
15% say they've suffered one or more injuries that required medical attention as a result of work-related violence in the last year
69% say their workload has been 'too high' or 'much too high' over the past year
81% say they've experienced feelings of stress, low mood or anxiety over the last 12 months
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Rob Greening, secretary of Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, said: 'The pay and morale survey for Devon and Cornwall Police makes stark reading and unfortunately, when compared to previous years, the situation does not seem to be improving.
'Our members work in extremely stressful and dangerous situations, to afford the public the safety and protection they expect and deserve.
"Some officers are having to use foodbanks, others struggle to pay their rent. This should not be the case.
'What the police take home is criminal. Officers have copped enough. Things need to change.'
In response to the survey, Devon and Cornwall Chief Constable James Vaughan, said: "Policing remains a very challenging and difficult job, and despite increased demand and limited resources, our dedicated officers continue to fight crime and protect the public every day to make Devon and Cornwall safe.
'Since my appointment in December 2024, I have met over 2000 officers and staff in stations across the force area, to understand their roles and listen to their views, challenges and ideas. I will continue to spend time with staff and officers, to understand where support is needed to protect our workforce and improve morale.
'Officer numbers will continue to be boosted through the Government's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, an investment into neighbourhood policing which will support the increase of neighbourhood officers in years to come and alleviating the pressure on our frontline.
'I want every member of the organisation to feel confident that their wellbeing is taken seriously and that they are being properly supported. I am committed to ensuring officers know that we are listening and feel valued and supported."
