Career criminals are laughing at us

Support and workload issues driving officers out

- CHRIS MCCALL

POLICE officers are quitting due to a lack of resources and heavy workloads, an exit survey reveals.

The report also found claims of insufficient support from police chiefs, welfare issues and "a do more with less attitude" among managers.

The survey was carried out by the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which warned cutbacks and mounting workloads are "creating a perfect storm".

A female inspector pointed to sexism and misogyny and a PC cited a refusal to consider flexible working to assist with childcare.

Criticising the "extremely poor service" to the public, a former sergeant said: "Policing is on its knees and nothing seems to be getting done about it."

A total of 546 officers retired or resigned between October last year and April 2024, with 253 responding to the survey.