‘When judging us, remember police officers are the ones stepping up’

11 April 2025

Sam Dobbs has highlighted the way that officers in Northamptonshire will be impacted by two ongoing challenges – overcrowding in the prison system and Crown Court.

“As courts and prisons struggle to cope with their own demand, police officers will be affected,” said Sam.

Sam’s comments come after recent figures showed that the backlog of cases in Crown Courts has reached an all-time high of 73,000, more than doubling from 32,390 in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Branch chair Sam Dobbs.

Victims of serious crimes, including rape and sexual offences, are among the hardest hit, with many waiting over three years for their cases to go to trial.

Research has shown that the prolonged delays are leading to 59 per cent of adult rape victims dropping out of the justice system, unable to endure the extended trauma.

Adding to the crisis, 25 per cent of trials are currently deemed ineffective, further prolonging case resolutions and exacerbating the backlog.

“However, the Criminal Justice System (CJS) has been whittled down to such an extent that it cannot cope with demands - from the availability of courts, court staff, barristers and legal aid. It all adds up to a mess, which is a challenge for anybody to put right,” Sam added.

Criminal Justice System

As a result of the backlogged courts and the number of cases on the waiting list, the Courts are now listing trials for as far ahead of Summer 2026, before police planners have even opened the books for officers to plan their summer holidays in 2026.

“The very nature of policing means that the majority of police officers join the job to look after the public and bring people who are threats to the public to justice in the courts,” Sam continued.

“And so, they would find it counterintuitive not to step up to a challenge or to comply with clear instructions on listings from the courts. But the reality is, those police officers are already overstretched, and themselves, are affected by court delays as are all in the justice system.

Sam explained: “Every household and every family have different ways of forward planning and planning their time together.

“Ordinarily, officers would not be able to book annual leave for July, August and the first half of September 2026 until 1 July 2025. There are rules and regulations in place to protect work-life balance and ensure those who want a summer holiday can take one, based on the presumption that most officers take a summer break in the months of June, July, August or early September. And our planners work really hard to balance the needs of individuals and their holidays.

Over-populated prisons

“This is why we have vigorously supported the Force in opening up the annual leave window now for summer 2026 to allow officers and other members to forward plan earlier, to ensure they have a summer break in 2026 around the court listings which take priority.”

Sam emphasised: “I understand this is a logical and necessary decision. And I want to stress I’m not criticising the courts or judges here. I just want others – especially those who are quick to judge policing - to see that the backlog of court hearings impacts everyone in the entire system, including our members – and now their families too.”

At the same time, police officers are also preparing to step up to assist with problems in another part of the justice system, Sam explained.

The remand population in prisons has nearly doubled to 17,600, with 770 prisoners held on remand for over two years. This prolonged detention before trial already raises serious concerns about justice and human rights. With prison capacity struggling to keep pace with demand, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) forecasts a shortfall of 12,400 places by 2027 if current trends continue.

As part of the national Operation Safeguard, police cells are again being repurposed to house low-risk prisoners to ease overcrowding. When activated as part of a national initiative, in Northamptonshire, 16 police cells will be allocated for this role.

Summer disorders

These cells will be staffed on an overtime basis at no additional cost to the Force, with 47 trained custody sergeants volunteering for these duties. Detention officers and police constables will provide additional support to ensure proper supervision and management.

“Once again, police officers will step up when needed, despite the pressures and demands they are already facing in their busy day jobs - just as they did last summer, during the summer disorders,” Sam continued.

“They will work on their rest days and during time off for the sake of the system. From a Police Federation perspective, whilst they will be paid, I’m concerned that this eats into their personal time - often spent with loved ones - which is desperately needed for their work-life balance. This is why we work with the Force, to ensure all of the requirements of welfare and the working time directive are complied with.

“I really hope that those who judge the police and hold us accountable remember the dedication and commitment constantly being shown by those in the job who continue to serve our communities, as highlighted. We remain the public service of first – and last - resort.”

READ MORE: New reps join the Federation.