94% of Dorset's police officers don't feel respected by Government
The findings come from the Police Federation's annual Pay and Morale Survey
Dorset's branch of the Police Federation say they results of the 2021 Pay and Morale Survey are a 'sad reflection on the state of policing'.
A total of 94% of the officers who responded said they didn't currently feel respected by the Government, while 86% said morale in the force is low.
Almost seven out of then staff members taking part in the survey said they wouldn't recommend joining the police to others, and 12% of those surveyed saying they intend to leave the service within 2 years, or as soon as possible.
Their wages were also a cause for concern, with 76% of Dorset Police respondents saying they felt worse off financially than five years ago, with the same number telling the survey they are dissatisfied with their pay.
11% of local officers said they never or almost never have enough money to cover their essentials.
The results are prompting Dorset's Police Federation to urge MPs to support its campaign for a real-terms pay increase and a fair and independent method for deciding police officer pay rises.
James Dimmack, Dorset Police Federation Chair, said:
“It is a sad reflection of the state of Policing that such an overwhelming majority of officers feel they are not supported by the Government.
“The fact that nearly half of officers feel financially vulnerable is a significant concern. Officers everyday are exposed to a myriad of challenging and dangerous situations as part of their everyday jobs. Having undertaken this public service they should not then be facing the challenge of balancing the books in order to survive at home.
“Perhaps the most concerning statistic is that so many officers state that morale is low. We are forever being asked to do more with less. That being the case it is not surprising this startling percentage is apparent. What I can say is that despite this Dorset Police officers continue to make things work and are committed to serving the people of Dorset. This is clearly being done however with low morale and with a lack of appreciation from the Government.
“Good will is a precious commodity, however it is not finite. I urge our Government ministers not to rely on this and to invest properly to appropriately remunerate the brave officers they ask so much of.”