The emotional and physical challenges faced by officers is spelled out in the latest National Police Wellbeing Survey, says Cambridgeshire Police Federation deputy chair Stuart Taylor.
Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, has published its annual survey which provides an insight into the lived experiences of officers.
The survey found that two-thirds (67%) of officers experienced physical exhaustion, 58% emotional exhaustion, while 41% officers felt stressed about their financial situation.
It showed the threat faced by Federation members, with 44% of officers and 39% of Specials physically assaulted in the past year, while one in five officers and Specials have experienced discrimination from the public.
Officers working in high-risk roles, such as response, CID, and public protection, showed higher levels of emotional exhaustion and lower wellbeing, Oscar Kilo said.
The report found that 29% of the workforce reported an intention to leave their force or policing in the next year, with work-life balance (17%), remuneration (15%), and poor leadership (13%) the most common reasons.
The 91-page report also identified strong foundations, including almost nine out of 10 (89%) feeling confident in their knowledge, skills, and experience to do their job.
Four out of five said their team pulls together, 81% feel trusted in their role, and two-thirds are proud of their work.
Stuart said: “Policing is a physically and emotionally demanding role, which is spelled out in the pages of this report.
“It is pleasing to see that it is built on strong foundations of teamwork and a desire to serve and protect the public.
“It’s testament to our members that they are so committed to public service, given the challenges that are spelled out in reports like this and our Pay and Morale Survey.
“But many are physically exhausted, mentally burning out, and have low levels of wellbeing – and the service needs to act now.
“Our members’ voices need to be listened to and the results of these surveys acted on, so that they feel valued, supported, and equipped to do the job to the best of their ability.”
More than 40,000 members of the UK police workforce took part in the survey.
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chief’s Council said: “The survey results are deeply worrying, but sadly not unexpected.
“While the feedback describes the positive elements of a police workforce who feel trusted, capable, and proud, it also describes a workforce who are exhausted, with high levels of burnout described, alongside low levels of general wellbeing.
“This is very concerning indeed, and change must happen.
“Put simply, we are asking too much of those working within the service, and the feedback through this survey demonstrates the serious nature of the reality on the ground.
“We recognise that it is not only the nature of police work which affects individuals’ wellbeing, but also things such as insufficient resource to meet public expectations, complex and changing criminality, degraded facilities, systems and technology, and constant change.
“These are elements that need to be addressed urgently for the service, and this is why the Government’s programme of Police Reform must be a priority.
“It is only by taking a wide-ranging and holistic look at policing, for the first time in decades, that essential, meaningful and long-lasting support to our workforce can be achieved. Colleagues in policing want to be trusted, capable and well, so we can concentrate our full efforts on the public we serve.”
Andy Rhodes, service director for Oscar Kilo, said: “This is a vital moment for policing to listen, understand, and act. We now have the clearest picture yet of where the service is – and what needs to change.
“The results will directly influence work happening at both a local and national level. They will also inform the police reform agenda, the NPCC Workforce Strategy, and the delivery of the Police Covenant.”
Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing said: “Wellbeing in policing isn’t a luxury – it’s an essential necessity.
“Every officer, member of staff and volunteer deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued in their role. These results are a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family, a team.”