1 March 2023

Policing Has Become 'Stepping Stone' Career

“Derisory pay settlements and changes to the police pension have reduced a once proud vocational calling to a potential stepping stone into a career elsewhere.”

Dorset Police Federation Chair James Dimmack was speaking after reports that the Government is planning a below-inflation 3.5% pay rise for police officers and other public sector workers.

Meanwhile official submissions to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) warned the Government that policing would be under threat if it continued to ignore calls for a fair pay increase. Police officers’ pay has fallen by almost 17% in real terms since 2010, a third of officers have fewer than five years’ experience, and a rising number are leaving for the private sector.

James said: “It can be no surprise that there is a dearth of experience in policing. We suffered years of under-investment and stunted recruitment. A chasm has been created that will be felt in the coming months and years.

“Constant derisory pay settlements and the changes to the police pension have reduced a once proud vocational calling to a potential stepping stone into a career elsewhere. It is understandable that young-in-service officers are leaving policing after a relatively short period of time.

“I spoke to an officer just yesterday who, with three years’ experience, is considering leaving the job due to the pressure being placed on him. He’s in the process of finding alternative employment, which will provide office hours and increased pay. This is a quality officer who is highly regarded within his team.

“This is a theme that I’m hearing all too often. I do not lose sight of the fact that policing is a privilege and a fantastic, albeit hugely challenging, job. In order to both attract and retain the best people, we need to provide pay and conditions commensurate with the nature of the work we ask them to undertake.”