Worrying Number Of Officers Leaving Policing

A steady stream of officers are leaving South Yorkshire Police, and more are considering quitting, the Federation has warned.

A total of 97 police officers left the force in the last financial year, compared with 9,240 nationally, official figures show.

Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “The numbers are consistent, and they are concerning. And I am worried by how many officers have told me they are thinking of leaving.

“I know young officers – really good officers – who are actively looking for other jobs.”

Steve warned the force could be left with an “experience vacuum”, leaving less experienced officers exposed.

He said: “We are on the precipice, and we are starting to see the first signs of cracks in the dam that’s holding officers’ mental health together.

“Pay needs to improve, working conditions need to improve, and the ridiculous performance culture that we exist in has to change. All these things need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”