UK Law Enforcement Under Arrest

Our latest sculpture is designed to open the conversation about the decline in respect for our police forces, and the struggles they face in todays society.

In our modern society, police officers can feel chained by increasing restrictions and regulations, resulting in a lack of respect from the general public. This in turn leaves officers feeling deflated and undervalued, which leads to a drop in police recruitment. All of this is a delicate balance, but the core value has always stayed the same; to maintain public safety.

Police officers are being instructed to consider making fewer arrests due to the overcrowding in prisons, which leads to a lack of respect from the public, as some don’t fear persecution. Officers often face public abuse and disrespect, and are expected to accept it, leaving them feeling threatened with their own safety at risk.  

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has raised profound concerns regarding the wellbeing of individuals within the policing workforce, shedding light on the demanding and stressful nature of their profession.

Every day police officers risk their lives to protect the public. In moments of life or death, where precious seconds count, officers are forced to make snap decisions with their best intentions. This is now greatly impacted due to officers feeling anxious to take action because of the overwhelming pressure of red tape. As these rules and regulations are constantly changing with our fast moving world, it may be hard for officers to know the best move to make. 

Research shows a high percentage of police officers record incredibly low morale, with the intention to quit at the highest level ever recorded.

PFEW National Chair Steve Hartshorn said: “The evidence is clear for all to see that policing is facing an uphill battle in its fight against crime. Our members do an amazing job protecting the public every single day, yet for far too long they have been paying a high price with damage to their own welfare and mental health.

“The retention crisis within the police force is evident, with over 9,000 officers resigning in the year ending March 2023—the highest number of leavers in a financial year since comparable records began.

“The decline in police officers’ feelings of being respected and valued by the public adds to the challenges faced by the workforce. This dissatisfaction, coupled with declining morale, is pushing officers to quit.”

Paul Williams, PFEW wellbeing co-lead said: “Officers are afraid to do their job properly through fear of being put through lengthy, and in many cases, undue processes. The agenda to effectively bring back kangaroo courts and sack officers much more frequently and easily makes those on the front line feel the risk to livelihood and extreme scrutiny is not worth the poor pay.” 

To address these issues, police officers need to feel their concerns are heard and acted upon, to continue providing their acts of service for our community.