Survey reveals police officers report being emotionally and physically exhausted

6 August 2025

67% of Police Officers report physical exhaustion… 58% report emotional exhaustion.

One in three officers/staff comes to work when they don't feel well enough to perform their duties.

The National Police Wellbeing Survey has been published today with some worrying statistics…

29% of officers and staff say they intend to leave policing within the next year. Poor work/life balance, pay and weak leadership cited as the most common reasons.

Adam Williams, Chair of Gloucestershire Police Federation, said: "Having spoken to many officers recently I am aware that they are really struggling with fatigue at the moment.

"The abstractions for mutual aid, cancelled rest days and late shift changes to cover baseline is having a significant impact on the wellbeing of our officers.

"The numbers are not enough and with almost 6% of our police officers leaving mostly through resignation many have clearly had enough."

One in three officers/staff report being stressed with their financial situation.

More than half of officers and staff say their forces are not committed to helping them balance work and home life.

Nearly half of all officers who responded reported being physically assaulted in the past year. Satisfaction with support offered by forces after being assaulted is "moderate".

68% of officers say they face unrealistic time pressures. 73% of officers find it difficult to take their rest breaks.

Only 27% of Constables feel they will be supported by their forces if they make a genuine mistake. 30% of Sergeants.

More on the survey here https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/news/national-police-wellbeing-survey-results-published