Retention risk in policing: Growing financial strain and job dissatisfaction among early-career officers

A new report from Metfriendly, the UK Police Family finance specialists, has revealed a potential crisis in Police Officer retention. Many early-career Officers are considering leaving the force due to financial pressures, job dissatisfaction, the toll on their family lives and mental well-being. The findings, which raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of policing as a career, come from the latest Police Family Finance Index, an annual, independent survey of over 10,000 Police Officers and Staff.

The latest report reveals that a quarter (24%) of Officers with 1-5 years’ service are contemplating leaving policing altogether, citing financial stress and workplace pressures. Additionally, one in five (18%) Officers in this experience bracket are considering taking on second jobs, and 13% of those with less than 12 months’ service are already exploring additional employment opportunities.

Financial and well-being struggles threaten career longevity

Early-career Officers are reporting deteriorating financial conditions, with one third (34%) of those with 1-5 years’ service expecting their financial situation to worsen in the next year. Among those who have been in the job for less than a year, nearly half (46%) already report significant financial concerns.

The mental health toll is also evident, as nearly three-fifths (55%) of Officers say financial stress is severely affecting their well-being, a sentiment echoed by 51% of Police Staff. Job satisfaction declines sharply over time, dropping from over 70% in the first year to just 32% for Officers with 1-5 years’ service. The impact is also being felt at home. While 60% of families are initially supportive, just 34% remain positive about the job after 1-5 years’ service.

A particularly alarming trend revealed in the Police Family Finance Index is that over three-fifths (62%) of Officers with 1-5 years’ service have considered halting contributions to their Police pension - a move that could have serious long-term consequences for their financial security and retirement prospects.
However, there is a clear opportunity to turn the tide. Three-fifths of Officers have expressed a desire for employer-led financial education to help them navigate these financial challenges.

Annette Petchey, Chief Executive Officer at Metfriendly, said: “The pressures facing the Police Force today go beyond just financial concerns. Officers are dealing with immense workloads, rising demands, and the emotional toll of the job. When nearly a quarter of early-career Officers are already considering leaving, it’s clear we need broader support at every stage of their careers. Policing should not be treated as a short-term numbers game - we must focus on retaining these New Recruits in the medium to long term, ensuring they have the financial stability, job satisfaction, and well-being support needed to build lasting careers. Failing to do so will have significant financial consequences.”

“The cost of recruiting, training and paying a new Officer exceeds £100,000 in their first two years, meaning any rise in leavers will put further strain on an already cash-strapped service. The Police Covenant has a vital role to play in providing early-career Officers with the right support, both in terms of well-being and financial security. Without meaningful investment in retention, we face serious challenges for UK policing, not only in terms of Officer numbers but also in ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. If we do not act now, we risk not only losing talented Officers but also discouraging future recruits from joining the force.”

Andy Rhodes, OBE QPM Service Director of the National Police Wellbeing Service, said: “The findings from Metfriendly’s latest survey add further weight to the serious concerns we have about the financial challenges faced by so many of our people. The impact on the individual’s mental health and also the pressure on families is irrefutable with extraordinarily high numbers of respondents citing concerns re finances. All too often our people do not feel confident to talk openly about their finances for fear of being judged so the survey report shines a light on a hidden problem which requires a collective effort to address. Reaching out early to access advice and support is essential and our message must be consistent with our commitment to support the wellbeing of everyone who works in policing, their families and those who have left.”