By Adam Morris
One in five officers who leave the force say a lack of resources is the reason for their departure, 1919 has learned.
In 2025/26, exit surveys showed 21.1 per cent identified dwindling finances as a contributing factor to their decision.
That compares to just 17.5 per cent four years ago, although the figure is down slightly on 2024/25.
The issue of the financial settlement received by Police Scotland from the Scottish Government dominated recent budget negotiations.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said she needed an additional £105 million just to “stand still”, and significantly more for the force to be properly equipped.
Instead, the uplift of £90 million – while welcomed officially – left bosses smarting.
Police Scotland also expressed concern to 1919 that, aside from monetary matters, officers are “under pressure from increased threats and a rapidly intensifying operational environment”.
According to the most recent Scottish Government figures, there were 16,430 full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers in Scotland on 31 March 2026.
This was a slight increase on the previous quarter, but significantly lower than the equivalent quarter of the previous year, when the number stood at 16,553.
Officers leaving the force have now formally recorded their disgruntlement about resources in voluntary leaving surveys, suggesting the impact is filtering down to the front line.
“The true figure of officers who feel this way is probably even higher – this only accounts for those who take the time to fill the survey in,” said David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF).
“The dwindling resources over the years is being felt to officers’ detriment out on the street.”
Referencing reports last year about rape and serious sexual assault departments being at breaking point, he added: “It’s seen at all levels on the front line, even to something like the number of rape cases a single detective inspector has to handle.”
The figures were published following a request by 1919 using freedom of information legislation.
The data shows the proportion of officers citing “lack of resources” rose steadily to 22.7 per cent in 2024/25, before dropping back to 21.1 per cent last year.
In a report to the Scottish Police Authority’s people committee at the turn of the year, other factors behind cops’ decisions to leave were revealed.
In the second quarter of 2025/26, 20.2 per cent blamed a lack of recognition, 14.9 per cent pointed to career advancement, while 3.2 per cent complained about pay.
Police Scotland pointed to its Vision 2030 and a variety of other programmes aimed at increasing retention.
“Policing is relentless and is a job like no other,” a force spokesperson said.
“The Chief Constable has been clear that our priority is to strengthen and modernise our front line to build capacity and deliver efficient and effective policing.
“Officers and staff work hard to deliver for communities and keep people safe, and our workforce is under pressure from increased threats and a rapidly intensifying operational environment.
“As with all sectors, people leave policing for all sorts of reasons. However, retention levels within Police Scotland are very high compared with other organisations, and we are working hard to invest in our estate to build a modern working environment for officers and staff.”