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Worth More Dead Than Alive
Over 230 officers were surveyed by the Police Federation
The Police Federation says it has grave concerns over statements made in response to an officer satisfaction report.
Over 140 officers replied to the survey by Police Federation Isle of Man relating to pay, morale and wellbeing.
Presenting its stark findings, the Federation said it was sharing the report with the gov to ‘relay the reality of the pressures that front line officers are experiencing’.
One of the most shocking comments was made by an officer who responded to a question about pay by saying: ‘I hate to say this but I’m probably worth more to my family financially dead than I am alive, I hope it never comes to that.’
In his executive summary of the report, Richard Hewitt, chair of the Federation, said: ‘The “thin blue line” on the Isle of Man and the safe policing of our island rests on a knife edge, time is running out for the DHA and the Isle of Man government need to correct the current projected course.’
Mr Hewitt said that without intervention and action policing ‘will soon reach crisis point on the island’.
And added: ‘The survey has laid bare perceived views that the DHA have indifference and apathy towards officers who serve and protect the island at the detriment to their own home life and well-being. Officers are reporting being overloaded, which puts them and the public at risk for what is perceived appalling remuneration, given the daily risks and scrutiny that they operate under. Many officers state that they would not join the service in the current climate and under the current pay structure and they would not encourage anyone else to do so.’
Officers have used the survey to report they are using the Foodbank, criticise the disparity between new recruit officers and teachers and don’t feel respected by the gov.
Responding to this on Manx Radio, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said she wants to work with officers to resolve their issues.
You can read the full report below:
IoM Police Federation Officer Satisfaction Survey – Final Report
