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A new survey has revealed the significant financial struggles police officers are facing and its impact on their mental health and job satisfaction.
According to Metfriendly’s latest Police Family Finance Index (PFFI), 64% of police officers and 47% of police staff reported having current financial concerns. Furthermore, 55% of police officers and 51% of police staff reported a high level of stress.
When asked if they plan to leave the police service in the next five years, a third (33%) of all respondents, including 32% of police officers, responded “No.” The remainder of police officer responses were split between those planning to retire (24%), those intending to leave policing for another job (20%) and those who were unsure.
To make ends meet, many officers are raiding their savings to pay bills and avoid going into debt. And should the ability to access overtime be unavailable due to injury or illness, many families would be severely impacted in a short space of time.
The survey found the financial pressures being felt by policing staff are being driven by lower-than-inflation pay settlements, increased mortgage rates, hike in utility bills and council tax rises.
“The survey highlights the ongoing financial struggles faced by our members and their broader impacts on their wellbeing.
“The cost-of-living crisis continues to affect housing costs, daily life and mental health, leading many to consider leaving the police service. Addressing these issues is crucial for the wellbeing and retention of police officers and staff.”
Brian Booth, Acting Deputy National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales.
Metfriendly’s latest PFFI was conducted between September 2024 and January 2025. It garnered 10,648 responses and was supported by the Police Federation of England & Wales and other police stakeholders.
For more insights, download the full report.
Listen to Professor Sarah Charman and T/Superintendent Mike Russell from Greater Manchester Police talk about police retention at last year’s Emergency Services Show.
