Most police officers (51 per cent) are considering leaving the service after the government’s policing reforms, according to a study of the Avon and Somerset force by the University of the West of England (UWE).
At the same time, 95 per cent of the 1,400 officers who took part agreed that they had no confidence in the government’s reforms.
Research leader Dr James Hoggett said: “The study showed that proposed changes and those currently being implemented are causing significant levels of uncertainty and concern among officers on the ground. Officers clearly accept the need for change, but believe it should be without political interference and should involve the police service itself.”
Hoggett said that most officers were willing to make sacrifices to get and keep their jobs. But goodwill was being damaged through outsourcing to private companies, budget cuts and changes to terms and conditions, including pensions and annual pay.
The study was commissioned by the Police Federation’s constables central committee.
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