Force faces loss of experience with voluntary exits

SOUTH Yorkshire Police faces a “huge loss” of talent and experience with 154 officers applying for voluntary redundancy.

The voluntary exit scheme has now closed for new applicants. Not everyone who has applied for voluntary redundancy will be granted it but reports are that the force aims to save around £100,000 per officer that exits over six years.

Zuleika Payne, Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “The chief’s vision was for the force to lose two tranches of 50 officers, one in April and one in October, and for this to for the next three to four years.

“Now the first tranche which ended last week, saw 37 officers wanting to commence the exit process. So if you’re looking at those figures over that period of time, then it will be a huge loss to the organisation. However, the business case for doing this is we will bring in new recruits, it’s a way of refreshing the organisation, and in some respects answers to the financial constraints of the organisation. However, that comes with a price and the price we will pay is that we will lose experience and expertise.”

The fact that “vast swathes of experienced people” are ready to leave reflects the challenging nature of policing today, Ms Payne added.

She said: “Officers are at the point of burn out because they are so fatigued. They feel the organisation has become too risk averse, so there is a constant concern hanging over them that if they don’t deal with something effectively and efficiently, they may not be supported sufficiently and potentially exited from the organisation.

“Officers in the current climate are handling a lot of stress, a lot of pressure, and a lot of the time feel unsupported. The voluntary exit scheme is seen as an opportunity to leave the organisation honourably and pursue a new career path.”