29.09.11
Police morale drop in Devon and Cornwall
Police morale in Devon and Cornwall is low, according to a leaked internal survey that was seen by the BBC. The survey for summer 2011 received responses from almost 3,000 participants, which accounts for 51% of officers and support staff in the area.
The survey showed that 43% believed the force was a good place to work, down from 63% in winter 2010, and only 31% of staff said they would be confident of receiving a good service if they were a victim of crime themselves.
This is the first survey since changes to save £47m have been introduced. These include plans to cut 1,000 jobs over four years. Chief Constable Stephen Otter said the drop in morale was understandable, but only temporary.
Otter said: “This is probably the most difficult year staff have faced in our history.
We are making many people redundant, many people are facing compulsory retirement and we have changed the roles of many of our police officers and staff.
“But I am very confident about the plan to take us forward and what's really important is that we understand how our staff are feeling. They have shown huge dignity in the face of all these difficulties.
“If we can change the way we operate and make ourselves more efficient we can continue to improve the service and provide an excellent service to people.”
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