Struggling Officers Empty Food Bank Provisions

Provisions at a South Yorkshire Police food bank have been snapped up by officers who are struggling to put food on the table.

The lifeline facility offered cops basic food and other supplies to keep them afloat during difficult times.

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said officers would only use such a facility if they had no other choice, adding that it was a stark illustration of how little they are paid.

Steve said: “Cops aren’t going to necessarily take pots of pasta and nappies and cans of beans unless they really need to, so they have.

“It goes back to the conversation of are police officers paid enough in this country?

“Yes, we’ve seen a couple of moderate pay rises in recent years but it’s not going to repair the damage compared to inflation.

“Our cops don’t get anywhere near enough recompense for the service they provide and the risk they face.”

Steve’s comments follow reports of police officers resorting to extreme measures to make ends meet. One case study detailed how some officers were sleeping in their cars due to skyrocketing household bills.

He said that officers in South Yorkshire were getting on okay in terms of housing but were struggling with day-to-day expenses.

He explained: “I wouldn’t necessarily say housing’s an issue, but if I turn it around and talk about officers struggling to put petrol in their cars, struggling to put food on the table [that is an issue].

Steve also explained officers commuting from out of force areas were also having to fork out more on petrol to arrive at work on time.

“It’s a challenge and it adds up. It’s something that is relevant,” he added.

“It’s not necessarily people putting a roof over their head, but it’s certainly people struggling with the bills and struggling with stuff like that – and that’s a concern for cops.”