Stop the unjustified criticism that damages police morale

POLICE officers in South Yorkshire need supporting, rather than the constant criticising and lambasting they receive from the HMIC.

That’s the message from Zuleika Payne, Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation, who was reacting after HM Inspectorate of Constabulary judged that the force “requires improvement” in how legitimately it keeps people safe and reduces crime, a rating described as “disappointing” by HMIC.

“We can’t be at all surprised however it’s really disheartening because officers work so hard,” said Zuleika. “We have lost 1,100 officers which is the equivalent to all of the officers in Doncaster and Rotherham.

“Officers still have to police the same population size, and in fact that number is increasing. We still have to cover the same geographical area but with 1,100 fewer officers. Officers are out there, 24/7 in the face of all this adversity, still trying to get on with the job and then we receive a report that says, ‘Well actually there’s room for improvement’.

“We’re never afraid to reassess and revisit what we’ve done, we’re no strangers to reflective practice and where there’s room for improvement we always embrace that. We’re very honest with ourselves. But it does impact on morale when you consider how hard frontline officers are working.”

The HMIC report also said the force “needs to improve of wellbeing issues”.

Zuleika responded: “There is always room for improvement but what we have noticed in South Yorkshire is more work being done around health and wellbeing and there are senior officers leading on this which is really important because it has got to come from the top down.

“It’s reassuring to see that management are starting to embrace this, but there’s always room for improvement and there’s always more that can be done. It’s equally important that people speak out as well.”

Zuleika concluded: “It does feel like the negative press within South Yorkshire is disproportionate because what we are not doing is acknowledging that there’s a huge amount of talent and dedication in the organisation. The good work is grossly under reported and that is very misleading.

“The positive news never makes it into the media, never makes it into the local news – and again that impacts upon morale.

“Every organisation can always strive to improve, there’s always more that could be done better, but it’s about supporting, nurturing and developing rather than constant carping criticism and lambasting.”