'Vast majority' of police love job, chief insists

Kent's chief constable says the "vast majority" of his officers love policing despite a survey finding nearly one in five intend to resign in two years or sooner.

The Kent Police Federation, which represents 3,800 Kent Police officers, said in May that 54% of the force have low morale, according to its annual pay and morale survey.

The survey results revealed 17% of Kent respondents intend to resign within the next two years or as soon as they can.

In a wide-ranging BBC Radio Kent interview during which he fielded questions on topics including anti-social behaviour and romance scams, Chief Constable Tim Smith said he will work with the federation to address the survey results.

Part of the force's mission statement aims to make staff feel valued, he added.

Taking questions live from presenter Dominic King, Mr Smith said he believes "the vast majority of staff in Kent Police love policing" and they are "valued by me for that every single day".

Neil Mennie, chair of the Kent Police Federation, said in a statement that Kent officers "are overworked, underpaid and under threat while their real income continues to shrink".

He added: "We have officers using food banks, struggling with mental health, and feeling forced to leave the job they love."

Mr Smith told BBC Radio Kent the force offers support for staff experiencing hard times and he encourages them to speak up if they need help, but acknowledged pay is a "huge part" of discontent.

He said: "I certainly do not want to have any of my staff in that position, and that's the bottom line for me.

"The amount of lobbying we have done in recent years to get proper pay for police officers and police staff continues."

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.

Mr Smith has worked for Kent Police for 31 years and started as chief constable in 2022.

He reports to the police and crime commissioner and is responsible for Kent Police's direction and managing its budget.

This was his his fourth time in the BBC Radio Kent hot seat.

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