'Tough year' for police force amid bullying claims

Gloucestershire Constabulary leaders say it is going to be a "tough year" as they attempt to boost morale amid bullying and harassment claims.

The latest staff survey conducted by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire in June revealed overall morale of the 495 people who took part was four out of 10.

In some departments, that was as low as three, and more than 15% of those who took part said they had been bullied or harassed.

Gloucestershire Police's Deputy Chief Constable Katie Barrow-Grint said problems with morale is a national issue but added "we've got some work to do" locally.

She told BBC Radio Gloucestershire the year has been "tricky" for the constabulary and they are looking to "stabilise the force" over the next year.

"I and the senior leadership team really are committed to showing our staff really are valued and supported, and most importantly, listened to," she said.

"Demand is high, the crime we deal with is complex, a lot of our staff and officers feel there isn't enough resources to do the things we need to do."

The staff survey report was presented at the police and crime panel meeting at Shire Hall on 10 March, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The survey was carried out in June 2024 but has only recently been published.

Mr Nelson was asked if the results came as a surprise to him, and what his perception of the current morale in the force is given that dozens of jobs face the chop amid moves to plug a £12.3m financial gap since it was conducted.

He said "morale isn't brilliant" at Gloucestershire Constabulary.

"This is going to be a tough year so it will take a little while before the force will be where I'd like it to be," he added.

The survey was undertaken before the suspension, which has since been lifted, of chief constable Rod Hansen, the need to find savings was identified and the prospect of dozens of staff facing the prospect of losing their jobs.

Shortly after the suspension of the chief officer in October, insiders at the constabulary said morale within the force was at "rock bottom".

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