The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has declared a public health emergency in policing, warning that current procedures are damaging the health of officers. A survey published today indicates a "wellbeing crisis," with 78% of officers reporting stress, low mood, or anxiety in the past year, and 94% of those saying work had either caused it or made it worse.
Survey Highlights Fatigue and Exhaustion
Fatigue and exhaustion were also major issues highlighted by officers. Two-thirds said fatigue had made it difficult to carry out their duties, while 76% said exhaustion had affected their family or social life. The survey was completed by 18,537 constables, sergeants, inspectors, and chief inspectors between July 13 and August 8, 2026.
Federation Calls for Independent Investigation
Acting deputy national chair Paul Williams addressed the PFEW annual conference on Thursday, October 22, stating: "Policing is a service making its people sick. We are asking officers to respond to life-or-death emergencies, protect victims and run towards danger, while routinely denying them the rest, resources and support they need to do their jobs safely."
Williams added: "The service has become so accustomed to operating under pressure that it no longer recognises the warning lights on its own dashboard. We cannot allow another generation of officers to believe that breakdown is simply part of the job."
First Five Years of Service Under Scrutiny
The Federation is calling for an independent investigation into the health, wellbeing, and welfare of officers during their first five years of service, as this is when most resignations are signed. The survey results indicate a "clear wellbeing crisis in the first five years of a police officer's career," with those serving between three and five years reporting the lowest happiness and the highest levels of fatigue and anxiety.
Williams concluded: "This is no longer simply a morale problem. It is a public health emergency. Officers are reporting levels of stress, fatigue and ill health that would raise serious concerns in any other profession. We cannot look away from the gravest consequence. Nearly 20 officers each year die by suicide."
