The majority of police officers in Hampshire feel they are worse off than five years ago according to a new report.

81 per cent now struggle financially compared to half a decade back. Furthermore, 15 per cent revealed that they 'rarely' or 'almost never' have enough cash to cover essentials.

The 2023 Police Federation of England and Wales Pay and Morale Report showed steep increases in living costs are impacting 90 per cent of the respondents. It also found that 73 per cent were displeased with their pay rate. In total 803 Hampshire officers responded to the survey.

Amid these pressures, 18 per cent of Hampshire officers have planned on leaving the force, be it in the next two years or as soon as they can.

Despite a 7 per cent salary hike in 2023, police officers have faced a cumulative 16 per cent deduction in real-terms pay over 12 years. The rising cost of living in the UK has not helped. Senior officers are clamouring for a 6 per cent salary increment for 2024 to ease the troubles.

The survey further shone a light on declined morale and a lack of support felt by more than half of officers.

Zoe Wakefield, chairperson of Hampshire Police Federation, said: “Policing is a difficult and dangerous job. Police officers deserve to be fairly paid and treated fairly by the Government.

"Neither of those things are happening at the moment so it is no surprise that officers are leaving and looking for jobs outside of policing.

"The public deserve to have a well-funded police force with experienced officers. The government need to invest in policing for this to happen.

"I will be meeting with Chief Constable Scott Chilton to discuss the results and what more can be done to support officers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Negative public interactions are on the rise too — 20 per cent of officers were injured on duty, needing medical attention. 85 per cent admitted to feeling stressed or having health or wellbeing issues, with 48 per cent finding their jobs extremely stressful.