‘We see the difference you make’ - branch chair backs officers amid survey on public confidence

23 April 2026

Sam Dobbs, chair of the Northamptonshire Police Federation, has voiced his support for local officers following the release of new research highlighting public dissatisfaction with policing.

The findings, presented on Sky News’ UK Tonight: Is Policing Fit for Purpose?, revealed worrying trends: 35 per cent of respondents admitted they do not report crimes, while only 14 per cent felt that low-level, everyday offences are properly investigated. For those who do report crimes, just half were satisfied with how cases were handled, and 64 per cent were unhappy with outcomes.

“These figures reflect what our officers are facing every day across Northamptonshire,” said Sam. “The public are noticing a workforce stretched too thin, pushed to respond to growing demand with fewer resources. Our communities deserve better, and so do the officers who give everything to their roles.”

The survey also highlighted wider systemic issues. A striking 90 per cent of respondents said the police are understaffed, while 93 per cent identified underfunding as the root cause of operational challenges.

Branch chair Sam Dobbs

Sam emphasised the local impact: “When you look at the reasons behind these challenges, money is central - both in terms of operational capacity and what officers take home.

“That’s why we continue to campaign for Northamptonshire officers to receive the South East Allowance. Officers in Bedfordshire and Thames Valley get it; our members, facing similar pressures and cost-of-living demands, should too. This would make a real difference for officers and their families.”

He also highlighted ongoing work locally to address structural pressures on policing demand: “The demand issue is why in Northamptonshire we are playing our part as consultee in a project to look at aligning demand and resourcing. 

“It’s the first time in a generation of policing in this county that our policing operating model has been reviewed on a whole-force basis, looking at best practice elsewhere, and - unlike the past three or four reviews - not just predicated on cutting costs.

Public support

“The Chief Constable instigated this project as a result of issues with summer demand in 2026, and its findings cannot come soon enough for our members who want to deliver the best service. None of us want to lose the support of the public.”

The survey also revealed a divide in public perception: 64 per cent of respondents trust frontline officers, but confidence in senior leadership drops to 48 per cent. Officers themselves report feeling misunderstood (82 per cent) and underappreciated (just 29 per cent), though 84 per cent remain proud of their work.

“There is still strong public belief in frontline officers, and rightly so,” said Sam. “People in Northamptonshire see resilience and dedication every day. Our members should know that their efforts are noticed - we see the difference you make - and the Federation will certainly continue to fight for what they deserve.”

During the broadcast, presenter Sarah-Jane Mee spoke with Policing Minister Sarah Jones, who outlined plans to expand neighbourhood policing, reduce bureaucracy, and introduce clearer accountability measures, including named local officers and improved response-time monitoring.

Stretched

Commenting on this, Sam said: “These proposals can only make a real difference if backed by sustained investment and recognition of the day-to-day challenges our officers face. Without that, Northamptonshire officers will continue to be stretched to their limits.”

The programme also addressed pressures across the wider criminal justice system, such as court delays, prison overcrowding, and concerns about the matching of consequences to offences.

“Problems in the wider system inevitably fall on the frontline,” Sam added. “Our members respond tirelessly to rising demand while also dealing with issues beyond policing. They remain committed and proud, but there are limits to what can be achieved without the right resources.

“If we want policing in Northamptonshire to meet public needs, the Government must provide proper support – and urgently.”

READ MORE: Federation members fronts new policing recruitment campaign.