Cambridgeshire police officers say morale has taken a big hit during coronavirus crisis

The Police Federation, which represents more than 130,000 officers from the rank of constable to chief inspector across England and Wales, has published the results of its annual Pay and Morale study.

It found that of 403 respondents from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, 61 per cent – more than 200 – felt the Covid-19 pandemic had a “negative or very negative” impact on morale this year.

Asked whether they had received sufficient training on the Covid crisis, over a quarter (28 per cent) said no, while 30 per cent said they did not have adequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.

The study also revealed nine per cent of respondents in Cambridgeshire intend to leave the force within the next two years, or as soon as possible, with one in ten of those citing Covid-19 as having had a ‘major impact’ on their decision. Low morale was a factor in nine out of ten cases, while pay and benefits fuelled the decision for 59 per cent.

Just under half, around 47 per cent of respondents said they would not recommend joining the police.

Across England and Wales the figures was even higher, with 59 per cent of those polled saying they would not advocate joining the police, amid a national recruitment drive to hire 20,000 officers.

John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation, called the survey results “a cry for help” from police officers across England and Wales.

He said: “These results should give serious concern to chief constables and to the Government.

“This year, more than ever, officers have been put under significant pressure, dealing with the day job as well as policing the constantly changing Covid rules.

“Despite doing their very best, they have been turned into the villains of this pandemic by some, damned whatever they do, and this constant criticism takes its toll.”

Mr Apter added that officers are also dealing with their own worries about the virus, and the fear that they may take it home to their families.

The survey publication follows anger at the public sector pay freeze that will affect the majority of police officers.

Public sector workers earning less than £24,000 will get a rise of at least £250 next year, but Mr Apter said this would only apply to officers who were on “an appallingly low starting salary”.

About three quarters of Cambridgeshire officers listed pay as having a “negative or very negative” impact on their morale, while 89 per cent believe they are not paid fairly for the stresses and strains of the job.

Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Police Nick Dean said: “Right from the onset of this pandemic we fully recognised the impact Covid-19 could have on officers, both professionally and personally. Policing is a challenging role at the best of times and performing the job in a Covid-19 environment is especially complex.

“This has been particularly difficult for those officers who are supporting the frontline and we are regularly meeting the Federation and visiting officers on the ground to understand the impact it is having.

“We have put in place a number of health and wellbeing services to ensure that every officer and member of staff has the support they need.

“Despite these difficult circumstances, officers have remained committed to providing the people of Cambridgeshire with a good service and we are extremely proud and grateful for all of their hard work.

“As a force we have had enough PPE available to ensure all officers are protected during their duties; we acknowledge that there may have been ever-changing guidance in the early stages of the pandemic but this was not unique to policing. We have worked hard to ensure those supplies are in the right places and available to officers.

“We are also working tirelessly to ensure that every member of the force has significant training and guidance on how to safely do their job in the current climate. We have a dedicated team responsible for this work and it is under constant review to ensure our people are protected and stay safe.

“It has been an extremely tough year for everyone and sadly police officers are not immune to the enormous impact of this virus. But their wellbeing remains at the heart of our work and we will continue to do everything we can to support them through these difficult times.”

On the subject of those officers considering leaving, the Chief Constable said: “Policing can be a dangerous and complex role. The nature of the job means that for some people a long term career is not sustainable for a variety of reasons. But the fact 91 per cent of responders said that they did not intend to leave demonstrates the incredible and committed people we have keeping people safe in Cambridgeshire. We have a large number of applicants wishing to join Cambridgeshire which is a great reflection on the Constabulary. ”

He added: “Police pay and remuneration has always been at the centre of these surveys as one of the reasons cited for low morale, but we have to acknowledge the current economic climate is challenging for everyone. Police officers and staff do a very difficult job, but pay is set nationally. We continue to have a very positive relationship with the Police Federation locally and the Constabulary works together with all staff associations to ensure the welfare and morale of everyone is at the front and centre of our work.”

The Home Office praised “brave police officers and staff” who have worked “heroically to protect the public during the pandemic”, adding that anyone, including police, has access to coronavirus tests if needed.