Stand up for Suffolk: MPs and police leaders must demand fairer funding

29 August 2025

Suffolk has just two police officers for every 1,000 people - leaving the county among the worst-resourced forces in England and Wales.

New figures reveal Suffolk Police has only 1,403 full-time officers serving a population of 776,400. That’s just 181 officers per 100,000 residents - placing Suffolk 37th out of 42 police forces and far below the national average of 219 per 100,000.

By comparison, neighbouring Norfolk has 205 officers per 100,000 people and sits 18th in the national table. London leads with 383 officers per 100,000, while Lincolnshire has the lowest ratio at 150.

Overstretched

The data, released by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) following analysis of Home Office figures, has sparked urgent calls for action.

Darren Harris, chair of Suffolk Police Federation, said: “Our members do an incredible job, but the reality is that Suffolk is being short-changed.

"The centralised funding formula doesn't properly reflect the rising cost of living, especially here in Suffolk. And as a result, our officers are stretched to breaking point. They are under-resourced, overstretched, and don’t feel supported - let down by those who should have their back.

"Our communities deserve better. They deserve a police service that can respond quickly, investigate thoroughly, and keep people safe. Yet Suffolk receives one of the lowest government funding allocations in the country. That has to change.”

Darren is now urgently calling on Chief Constable Rachel Kearton, Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, and Suffolk’s MPs to demand fairer funding from the Government.

He continued: “We need our leaders to stand up for Suffolk and make their voices heard. This is about fairness, safety, and ensuring our police service has the resources it needs to protect the public.

Public trust

"For the sake of public trust in policing, and the trust between police officers and the Government, this must change."

The figures come amid the PFEW’s 'Copped Enough' campaign, which highlights the growing pressure on officers due to underfunding, increased workloads, and rising demands on policing. The campaign urges the Government and local leaders to deliver fair pay, improved support, and sustainable resources for frontline officers.

As part of the campaign, people are being encouraged to join a digital picket line in support of officers who cannot legally strike. Sign the online picket line here.