According to the latest Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Pay and Morale Survey, 18% of officers never or almost never have enough money to cover all of their essentials, and 78% are dissatisfied with their overall remuneration. 98% of the 839 officers who responded said their cost of living had increased in the previous month, with an increase in the price of their food/fuel being the most frequently cited reason. Last year, police officers in England and Wales received an average 5% pay increase, but this was far below inflation, which is now at more than 10%. Household bills are skyrocketing, and police officer pay has fallen by 25% in real terms over the last 12 years. According to the findings, mood and well-being are also suffering. Morale in the force is currently ‘low’ or’very low,’ according to 78% of officers, with 12% intending to resign from the force ‘within the next two years’ or ‘as soon as [they] can’. A staggering 92% said they do not feel respected by the government, and three-fifths said they would not recommend joining the police force to others. Officers are also targeted by the general public; 21% had one or more injuries that required medical attention as a result of work-related violence in the previous year. Four in ten (41%) said their job was’very’ or ‘extremely’ stressful, and 83% said they had experienced stress, low mood, anxiety, or other health and wellbeing issues in the previous 12 months. Sadly, we are not surprised or shocked by the results of this survey,” said Zoe Wakefield, Chair of Hampshire Police Federation. We are acutely aware of our members’ financial, physical, and psychological difficulties.” The government cannot continue to underfund police forces, disrespect officers at every opportunity, and underpay officers. Policing is a difficult and stressful job that many people are unable to perform. Those who join the police force in order to make a difference and help those in need do not deserve to be treated in this manner. Officers are increasingly being assaulted. The number of experienced officers leaving the force is growing. Many armed forces are having difficulty recruiting new members. I know of officers who still love policing but have been forced to leave to get a better paid job in the private sector. This is incorrect.” Hampshire Police Federation can provide a lot of help and advice to anyone in need, and we would encourage them to contact their local fed rep or the Federation office.