Police Federation ‘crying wolf’? 10 years on, and we were right

20 May 2025

Today marks 10 years since the then-Home Secretary Theresa May accused the Police Federation of ‘crying wolf’ over concerns about the impact of austerity.

A decade later, Suffolk Police Federation says ‘the evidence’ couldn’t be clearer, with the consequences of those cuts ‘being felt by police officers every single day'.

Chair of Suffolk Police Federation Darren Harris says the frustration among local officers is growing, as the effects of years of cuts and neglect continue to take their toll.

He said: “We said back then that policing was being pushed beyond its limits – not because we were looking for headlines, but because we were seeing what was happening on the ground. It wasn’t scaremongering. It was the truth. And Suffolk is living that truth right now.”

Budget cuts

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

Yet since 2010, police officer pay has fallen by 21 per cent in real terms. Nationally, officer numbers are down by six per cent, while crime rates have risen by 44 per cent. 

Darren added: “Suffolk’s officers are facing a crisis of morale, resources, and wellbeing.

“In Suffolk, we have fewer officers trying to cover more ground, deal with more complex crime, and meet higher public expectations – all while feeling increasingly undervalued.

 

Then-Home Secretary Theresa May.

 

“Our officers are exhausted. They are being stretched in every direction.”

Welfare is also a major concern. In 2024 alone, 45,000 assaults on officers were recorded across England and Wales - an average of 123 a day. More than 18 officers take their own lives each year.

“These feelings were echoed in our latest Pay and Morale Survey, which found that 85 per cent of our officers feel that morale within the Force is currently ‘low’ or ‘very low’.

“Half of those who responded told the survey their own personal morale is currently ‘low’ or ‘very low’.

“What we need to remember is that behind every number is a colleague. A person. A family.”

A recent local Pay and Morale Survey found that 92 per cent of officers in Suffolk do not feel respected by the Government.

Abandoned

“That figure says it all. This isn’t just about pay. It’s about being seen, heard, and valued,” continued Darren, adding: “Officers are doing their absolute best in impossible conditions – but they feel abandoned.”

To mark the 10-year anniversary of Mrs May’s infamous speech, (PFEW) has launched a short film as part of its Copped Enough – What the Police Take Home Is Criminal campaign. 

The film revisits her claims and contrasts them with the harsh reality officers face today.

“Wouldn’t it be something if our Government actually listened to us?” said Darren, ending: If we had leadership that truly stood with officers, not just in words, but in action?”

“In Suffolk, we’re proud of our officers - but pride doesn’t pay the bills, and it doesn’t fix broken systems.” 

READ MORE: 'Feels on wheels' - mental health support van launches in Suffolk.