96% PSNI Officers Find Morale Low

A major independent workforce survey has revealed that 96% of police officers found morale in the PSNI is low.

The survey, carried out on behalf of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI), found budget cuts, pensions and internal change and re-structuring are some of the issues responsible for the slump.

PFNI Chairman, Mark Lindsay, said: "Up until now, all we had to go on was anecdotal evidence. Now, we have robust, cold hard facts which show just how low morale is within the PSNI.

"Detrimental pension reform combined with minimal pay rises are the main issues highlighted in the survey. Constant organisational change, drastic cuts and a weighty bureaucracy all contribute to this depressing picture.

"The findings are a source of great concern to this staff association, and I have furnished the Chief Constable and the Minister for Justice with the findings which set out the well-founded fears of our members.

"These independently sourced and verified returns are not something that can be easily dismissed or explained away. They represent a significant challenge to Ministers who control budgets and send a clear message to all concerned that it is impossible to do more with less without having a severe adverse effect on human beings.

"There are issues here that are not only for PSNI management to take on board, but for public representatives in the Assembly, Westminster, and the Northern Ireland Policing Board to factor into their thinking."

Ulster Unionist Policing Spokesperson and Policing Board Member, Ross Hussey MLA, said: "I have reviewed the information released by the Police Federation and I have to say I am disappointed by the results of the survey. You could close your eyes and ears by saying only 37% of those eligible participated but I think the fact that over 70% of those who did respond indicated that morale was low should set alarm bells ringing.

"Policing is one of the most difficult jobs in society and I have the greatest respect for those that put on the uniform. The changes to the pension scheme have been highlighted as a concern. I have met with and spoken to several officers who have all highlighted this aspect as a major disappointment. The changes that have had to be introduced and the reduced promotion opportunities must also hit young officers who want to make a career in policing. The terror threat must also add to the sense of injustice officers feel."

(CD/JP)