A DAMNING survey has found that more than ten per cent of police officers in Cumbria want to resign

The Police Federation's pay and morale report said officers surveyed were struggling with the cost of living and dissatisfied with their pay. 

It found that 12 per cent of officers polled wanted to resign from Cumbria Police in the next two years or as soon as they can.

The survey also found that 78 per cent of Cumbria Police officers feel ‘worse off’ financially now than they were five years ago and 14 per cent ‘never’ or ‘almost never’ have enough money to cover all their essentials.

And 72 per cent of respondents from Cumbria Police said that they would not recommend joining the police to others, while 64 per cent said they do not feel valued within the service.

Ed Russell, chair of Cumbria Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said: “The results ought to be a wakeup call to a Government seemingly bent on penny pinching with public services, stretching them to breaking point through underfunding and political meddling.

“These findings are the unbiased voices of front-line policing, expressed without fear or favour, and they are deeply concerning."

The survey is based on 192 responses received from Cumbria Police officers, part of a larger poll conducted nationally.

Cumbria Police's Deputy Chief Constable Darren Martland said the survey gives the force 'valuable insight into officers’ views'.

“It is clear from the survey that colleagues have ongoing concerns about national issues on finances and the cost of living, while balancing the pressures of a very rewarding but demanding job," he said.

“We are aware of the views and concerns of colleagues and senior leaders have been out-and-about in stations, attending briefings, going on patrol and listening to what works well and what we need to improve.

“This is all fed into an overall picture which includes the findings from the Federation survey and national wellbeing survey.

“In addition to increased officers numbers, there are a number of other measures we are rolling out or have in place. These include the prioritisation of frontline policing, increased access to welfare and wellbeing services and improved technology to ease demand.

“We continue to work closely with the Police Federation as we seek to provide improved support for both officers and staff.”