Copped Enough: a decade on, our warnings have been validated

20 May 2025

“Ten years ago, when then-Home Secretary Theresa May accused the Police Federation of 'crying wolf' over concerns about austerity's impact on policing, we were dismissed. Today, the evidence speaks for itself.”

The chair of Hertfordshire Police Federation, Luke Mitchell says he feels nothing but frustration as he looks back on Ms May suggesting the Police Federation was ‘scaremongering’ with its warnings about austerity.

In her speech at the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) conference on 20 May 2015, Ms May said, despite previous cuts to police budgets, crime had fallen and officer numbers were rising insisting that policing could do more with less.

Then-Home Secretary Theresa May.

However, since 2010, police officers have faced a real-terms pay cut of 21 per cent, while the number of officers has decreased by six per cent. In the same period, police-recorded crime rates per 1,000 population have risen by 44 per cent.

Officer welfare has deteriorated significantly. In 2024 alone, there were 45,000 recorded assaults on officers in England and Wales - averaging 123 assaults daily. Tragically, more than 18 police officers die by suicide each year.

“Is it any wonder that our latest local Pay and Morale Survey revealed that 91 per cent of our officers do not feel respected by the Government?” asked Luke.

Frustrated

“I’d like to say it’s satisfying that we have been proved right but it’s not. It hurts. I’m disappointed and frustrated for our members - those who continue to serve on the frontline each day, putting their lives in danger to protect our communities.

“Unfortunately, these cuts have consequences. This was more than just words from Ms May - it was a lack of understanding, a lack of empathy, a lack of change. And now, a decade later, morale is low, our members do not feel valued are we are losing so many experienced officers who no longer want to stay in policing.

“It is time for change. If change doesn’t happen, then I’d be scared to find out what the police service would like in another 10 years time.

Backing up its Copped Enough – What the Police Take Home Is Criminal campaign, PFEW has launched a short film highlighting its stance on the crying wolf speech.

“Wouldn’t be refreshing to hear from a government who listened to our officers or politicians who consistently had our back,” said Luke.

He ended: “We’re at breaking point right now. We’re crumbling and those in power - our Government - could stop this.”