OFFICERS have been encouraged to contribute to the Police Federation of England and Wales\u2019 annual Pay and Morale Survey to ensure their voices are heard in future negotiations.<\/p>\n
Every officer has had an email requesting their views in the poll and it is \u201cabsolutely important\u201d for them to complete it, South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.<\/p>\n
Chairman Steve Kent said: \u201cWe need to get that picture and we need to get that evidence in our hand to be able to take to our chief officers, to be able to say collectively as a country to Government and for politicians, to say, \u2018 Look, this is the way cops are feeling at the moment. You\u2019ve got to address this\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhenever I go into any meeting with any senior officer, constructive though they may be, they will say, \u2018Please give me the evidence of what you\u2019re saying\u2019. If I\u2019ve got that behind me then I can go to them and tell them that. Without surveys like these, officers don\u2019t have a voice. Sending me an email is always welcome but it doesn\u2019t give me that collective evidence to take forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police Federation of England and Wales National Secretary Alex Duncan said: \u201cThe Federation needs hard evidence to support any argument we make for an increase in pay or allowances. That evidence comes primarily from this survey and it also enables Branches to make the case for changes to working conditions when they are meeting with their Chief Constable or MPs.<\/p>\n
\u201cA poor return undermines the credibility of our research. So, my message to members is a simple one \u2013 help us to help you. If you care about your pay and conditions, then completing the survey will be time well spent.\u201d<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Police Federation is currently working on a series of rank-specific surveys to address localised South Yorkshire issues. The surveys, which are due in the next few months, will be sent to Sergeants first, followed by Constables and Inspectors and will address demand, stress and performance, among other issues.<\/p>\n