Nearly two-thirds of Northamptonshire police officers say morale has taken a major hit during coronavirus crisis

The Police Federation, which represents more than 130,000 officers from the rank of constable to chief inspector across England and Wales, has published the results of its annual Pay and Morale study.

It found that of 200 respondents from Northamptonshire Police, 65% – more than 100 – felt the Covid-19 pandemic had a "negative or very negative" impact on morale this year.

Asked whether they had received sufficient training on the Covid crisis, 22% said no, while 19% said they did not have adequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.

The study also revealed 11% of respondents in Northamptonshire intend to leave the force within the next two years, or as soon as possible, with 15% of those citing Covid-19 as having had a major impact on their decision. Low morale was a factor for 75%, while pay and benefits fuelled the decision for 47%.

Around 59% of respondents said they would not recommend joining the police.

Assistant Chief Constable at Northamptonshire Police, Simon Blatchly, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has clearly had an impact on our police officers and staff and managing their wellbeing has been one of our priorities throughout the pandemic.

“This year has been unlike anything we have lived through before, with policing attracting a lot of public scrutiny. Inevitably, the increase of assaults on police officers has also had an impact on officer morale, with 89 percent of our officers attributing low morale to how the police are treated on the whole, which is consistent with the national figures.

“We have had an above average supply of PPE throughout the pandemic which is available to officers and staff, with clear instructions on how to access and use it. Officers were very positive about updates they receive from the Force on all matters to do with Covid, which was better than almost all other forces.

“The survey also showed that the majority of our officers feel they have been managed well during the Covid-19 crisis and Northamptonshire officers have an above-average confidence in our ability to satisfy the requirements of the national drive to recruit 20,000 new officers.”

John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation, called the survey results “a cry for help” from police officers across England and Wales.

He said: “These results should give serious concern to chief constables and to the Government.

"This year, more than ever, officers have been put under significant pressure, dealing with the day job as well as policing the constantly changing Covid rules.

“Despite doing their very best, they have been turned into the villains of this pandemic by some, damned whatever they do, and this constant criticism takes its toll."

Mr Apter added that officers are also dealing with their own worries about the virus, and the fear that they may take it home to their families.

The survey publication follows anger at the public sector pay freeze that will affect the majority of police officers.

Public sector workers earning less than £24,000 will get a rise of at least £250 next year, but Mr Apter said this would only apply to officers who were on “an appallingly low starting salary”.

About 68% of Northamptonshire officers listed pay as having a "negative or very negative" impact on their morale, while 87% believe they are not paid fairly for the stresses and strains of the job.

The Home Office praised “brave police officers and staff” who have worked “heroically to protect the public during the pandemic”, adding that anyone, including police, has access to coronavirus tests if needed.