Police morale slumps during the pandemic

MORALE among Hampshire’s thin blue line has slumped during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a shock survey.

Two-thirds of the county's police force say morale has suffered during the crisis.

The study, by the Police Federation, found that of 681 respondents from Hampshire Constabulary, 66 per cent – more than 400 – felt the Covid-19 pandemic had a ‘negative or very negative’ impact on morale.

The study revealed eight per cent intended to leave the force within the next two years, or as soon as possible, with nine per cent of those citing Covid-19 as having had a major impact on their decision.

Asked whether they had received sufficient training on the Covid crisis, 21 per cent said no, while 33 per cent said they did not have adequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.

Meanwhile, around half of respondents said they would not recommend joining the police.

John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation, called the survey results ‘a cry for help’ from officers nationwide.

He said: ‘These results should give serious concern to chief constables and government.’

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.

The Home Office praised ‘brave police officers and staff’ who have worked

‘heroically to protect the public during the pandemic’, adding anyone, including police, has access to coronavirus tests if needed.