Officers 'struggling financially', federation says

The chair of a regional police federation has said officers are "struggling financially" after a Freedom of Information request revealed thousands of officers across the country were working second jobs.

The data showed more than 4,000 officers were approved for secondary employment in 2024, double the number recorded in 2019.

Aileen O'Connor, chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, said officers "need to be remunerated properly" for their work.

Thames Valley Police said the wellbeing of its officers was a "top priority".

The force added that it "recognises the concern among officers regarding pay".

The federation said police pay has fallen by 21% in real terms since 2010, leaving many officers "feeling they have no choice but to seek additional income".

Thames Valley Police said it was unable to provide figures for how many officers had taken on extra work.

Ms O'Connor said the data showed "how significantly officers are struggling financially at a time when the service is already at breaking point".

"Officers' workloads are increasing, performance targets are high, and officers are under more scrutiny now than before," she said.

She warned that public safety "could be affected if officers are not properly paid and rested".

"Officers attend more traumatic incidents now more than ever, the demand on the frontline is increasing by the day," she said.

"This rest time allows them to look after their wellbeing, which is key for their long-term mental health."

Brian Booth, the acting deputy chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), which requested the job figures, said police officers were "overworked, underpaid and under threat".

"They should not have to finish a shift protecting the public and then work a second job just to pay their bills," he added.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said it offered a "range of financial wellbeing services and information to support our colleagues".

It said this included access to financial assistance and education.

"Officers and staff are allowed to generate additional income, as long as it does not present a conflict of interests or impact their health, wellbeing or performance," the force added.

The Home Office declined a BBC request to comment.

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