Surrey Police Federation warns of growing pressure on officers following Pay and Morale Survey
2 November 2026
The latest Pay and Morale Survey has revealed significant concerns among police officers in Surrey, with many reporting high workloads, declining wellbeing and feeling increasingly undervalued.
The survey found that 30% of Surrey officers are considering leaving policing within the next two years, while 83% reported experiencing stress, low mood or anxiety during the past 12 months. Almost all respondents said they do not believe they are fairly paid for the demands and responsibilities of the role.
Darren Pemble, Chair of Surrey Police Federation, said: "These findings should be a wake-up call. Our officers remain committed to protecting the public, but they are doing so under immense pressure.
"Behind these statistics are dedicated police officers managing heavy workloads, dealing with traumatic incidents and making personal sacrifices to keep our communities safe. It is deeply concerning that so many officers are considering leaving the service. If policing is to retain experienced and skilled officers, there must be meaningful action on pay, wellbeing and workload pressures.
"The concerns raised by Surrey officers are consistent with wider national findings highlighting the growing pressures facing policing.
"Recent commentary from the Police Remuneration Review Body recognised the significant demands placed on officers and noted concerns around the extent to which forces rely on officer goodwill, flexibility and commitment to meet operational requirements.
"Police officers cannot take industrial action and have always demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public service. However, there is a growing concern among our members that the service is becoming increasingly dependent on that commitment to bridge gaps created by rising demand and finite resources.
"Officers will always do everything they can to protect the public, but goodwill should not be treated as an inexhaustible resource. The long-term sustainability of policing depends on ensuring officers are fairly rewarded, properly supported and able to maintain a healthy work-life balance."
"Surrey Police Federation has also been raising these concerns directly with policymakers.
"Recently Surrey Federation representatives met with Surrey MPs at Westminster to discuss the challenges facing local policing, including officer pay, retention, wellbeing and the increasing demands being placed on frontline officers.
"The meetings formed part of the Federation's ongoing efforts to ensure the experiences of Surrey officers are heard at the highest levels of Government and that the impact of national policy decisions on local policing is fully understood.
"Surrey Federation is calling for greater investment in policing, fair pay for officers and improved support to address the growing challenges facing the workforce and ensure policing remains an attractive and sustainable career."
