Support for Dani in our Fair Pay For Police campaign

13 April 2022

Support has flown in to our social media accounts for a Suffolk student officer forced to quit due to low wages.

Danielle Fisher, known as Dani, shared her story as part of our Fair Pay For Police campaign.

The 29-year-old mother-of-one says handing in her notice was the hardest decision she has ever made after she found herself unable to pay for petrol at the end of the month after funding childcare for her son.

Darren Harris, chair of Suffolk Police Federation, has praised Dani for speaking out.

“While people are becoming more open about talking about their mental health, it often feels as if discussing issues around money is the last taboo,” he explains.

“Dani was brave to speak up and to share her story. In talking about her personal circumstances, she has allowed us to show the real impact the Government’s inability to ensure that police officers are paid fairly is having on people.

“I want to thank Dani for helping us raise awareness of the financial pressures police officers are facing. It is sad that Dani, who was clearly keen to start a career in policing, felt she had no alternative but to leave. However, I completely understand her decision and she has to put her family first.

“I hope politicians will read Dani’s story and get behind our campaign. We need fair pay for police officers so that they are adequately paid for the vital role they play in our communities and the risks they face.”

Our social media followers have also been supportive.

Bob Murphy, responding to our Facebook post about Dani’s story, said: “It was completely different for me starting in 1988. Had two toddlers and took a big pay raise joining the Force. Things have really changed... but it seems police pay has not kept up with it. What a pity when you lose good officers to it.”

Neill Rumsey wrote: “Welcome to the real world of public sector. You are a number and, whether you work extremely hard or do very little, you will be paid poorly. If you want more money you have to work long hours. The organisation relies too much on goodwill. Sad news.”

Tim Scott added: “I know an officer in Essex who has just left for the same reason - he is becoming a bus driver so that he can earn more money.”

While Jo-ann Bliss commented: “Finding child care for shift work is almost impossible.”

Read Dani’s story.