Menu
23/09/2015
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 December 2017
Car Catches Fire On A1
A car caught fire on the A1 on Monday, 11 December, after the driver left a blanket on the engine. The driver forgot to remove the blanket after placing it on the engine overnight. PSNI Road Policing officers attended the scene and there were no reports of any injuries.
Car Catches Fire On A1
A car caught fire on the A1 on Monday, 11 December, after the driver left a blanket on the engine. The driver forgot to remove the blanket after placing it on the engine overnight. PSNI Road Policing officers attended the scene and there were no reports of any injuries.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
08 November 2010
West Belfast Grenade Attack Slammed
The boss of the NI Policing Board has condemned an attempted murder attack on police officers on duty in west Belfast. Acting Chair, Brian Rea said: "I wish to condemn the bomb attack on police officers who were going about their job investigating a robbery.
West Belfast Grenade Attack Slammed
The boss of the NI Policing Board has condemned an attempted murder attack on police officers on duty in west Belfast. Acting Chair, Brian Rea said: "I wish to condemn the bomb attack on police officers who were going about their job investigating a robbery.
13 February 2003
Code of ethics introduced for PSNI
A code of ethics for the PSNI was launched by the Policing Board today – the first such initiative for policing in the British Isles. The code sets out standards of conduct and practice for all PSNI officers and makes police officers aware of the rights and obligations arising out of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Code of ethics introduced for PSNI
A code of ethics for the PSNI was launched by the Policing Board today – the first such initiative for policing in the British Isles. The code sets out standards of conduct and practice for all PSNI officers and makes police officers aware of the rights and obligations arising out of the European Convention on Human Rights.
17 December 2007
Community Policing In Focus
A newly introduced policing strategy that has just been rolled out across the whole of east Antrim may already be paying dividends. A local policing liaison group, covering the Glengormley area, has just been told of reductions in levels of reported anti social behaviour.
Community Policing In Focus
A newly introduced policing strategy that has just been rolled out across the whole of east Antrim may already be paying dividends. A local policing liaison group, covering the Glengormley area, has just been told of reductions in levels of reported anti social behaviour.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
