Officers say they could resign over cuts to Warwickshire Police

Results of a survey for officers across 43 forces in England and Wales, collected by the Police Federation in March and April and published on Monday, show that 98 per cent of the 480 respondents in the county believe morale has fallen as a result of planned 20 per cent police budget cuts, the possibility of reduced officer numbers, possible changes to terms and conditions and how this will affect the service they provide.

Most respondents said cutting officer numbers will have a detrimental effect on crime levels, 94 per cent said there would be a decline in the service and 79 per cent said they believe their workload has increased or will increase in the future.

The budget cut was announced at the same time as changes to police pensions and the publication of the Windsor Report on police pay and conditions.

The report’s recommendations could lead to officers facing a pay cut of up to £4,000 - 93 per cent of officers in Warwickshire said changes to their terms and conditions could compel them to leave the force.

Simon Payne, chairman of Warwickshire Police Federation, said: “The message from officers in Warwickshire is loud and clear.

“They feel they are being hit from all sides by this Government which, in addition to attacking their terms and conditions, is imposing a 20 per cent cut on the service which will undoubtedly lead to increased levels of crime and a poorer service for people in Warwickshire.”

Mr Payne is encouraging the public to put pressure on the Government to reconsider the cuts plan, which has left Warwickshire Police faced with having to make savings of £23 million.

He added: “The federation is not opposed to change and accepts that policing must play its part in public sector cuts.

“However, if this government truly believes in considered and informed change for the better then they should have the courage of their convictions and establish a Royal Commission on policing.”

Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White said he respects the views of officers and appreciates the work they do to keep communities safe.

But he added: “We need to make changes to policing if we are going to make our police force as effective as possible – this means changes to terms and conditions, reviewing back office functions, reducing form filling, cutting the costs of buildings and focusing resources on frontline policing. I trust that Warwickshire Police Force will look at every avenue of spending before reducing the number of officers and ensure that the safety of the public is put first.”

A Warwickshire Police spokesman said officers are still dedicated to protecting the public and are continuing to put personal issues aside when on duty.