By Gemma Fraser
Head of content
Experienced police officers would choose a different career with the benefit of hindsight, while probationers are at risk of leaving Police Scotland, according to new research.
A study carried out by the Scottish Institute for Policing Research (SIPR) has delivered a stark warning to the force, stating that the wellbeing and retention of police officers are “of key concern”.
However, Police Scotland said retention levels within the service are “very high compared with other organisations”.
The research – a combination of police officer interviews and surveys – reveals that new probationers are often disappointed by the reality of policing versus the expectations, while more established officers with at least three years’ experience found the role has not “fully measured up to the job they envisaged”.
The report, entitled Great Expectations! Work and Workplace Expectations, Realities, and Retention of Police Officers in Scotland, found probationers’ hopes for the job were geared around having a challenging, rewarding and varied role in which they can ‘make a difference’, where they are treated inclusively and with respect, and where they have opportunities to develop, grow and progress.
Some officers interviewed also compared real-life policing with the version depicted on TV.
One probationer said: “You see police programmes on TV, and it seems like an interesting role…You see the lights flashing and it’s alluring; all that dramatic excitement”.
In contrast, comments from the more established officers include: “I quickly realised that every day was not rushing around arresting people; there were long periods of boredom.”
Another said: “You view [the job] through TV or books, which paint an image of it being a glamorous job with lots of excitement and action, which, when you are young, is very appealing, and I suppose you don’t look much beyond that.”
The research revealed a substantial share of respondents (45 per cent) indicated that with hindsight they would not choose to become a police officer again.
Report authors warned that where the eventual job does not match up to high initial expectations, current probationers and early career officers are at greater risk of leaving.
“Probationers were generally excited about and open to the idea of a long-term career within Police Scotland, but only for as long as they believe that the organisation continues to look after their welfare needs”
Lead author Professor Kirsteen Grant, from Edinburgh Napier University, said: “This research shines a light on the contemporary needs and job expectations of a new generation of police officers.
“Probationers were generally excited about and open to the idea of a long-term career within Police Scotland, but only for as long as they believe that the organisation continues to look after their welfare needs, that the job fits around their life, and that it has no long-term adverse impact on their health and wellbeing.
“We hope that this research will help provide important insights to Police Scotland when developing the next iteration of its people strategy.”
The research centred around four themes: police culture and work environment; management and leadership; training and career progression; and wellbeing and work-life balance.
Data was gathered through 32 interviews plus a survey of 1,297 officers.
Established officers spoke about the challenges of resource constraints and high job demands.
While a few participants cited positive changes to the culture in Police Scotland, the “highly political and bureaucratic nature” of the force, as well as its sheer size, was problematic for many participants – particularly those who had experience in one of the smaller legacy forces prior to its formation in 2013.
The report, which aims to inform future human resource policy and practices, made seven recommendations to Police Scotland – including managing expectations at the point of recruitment and initial training to ensure an accurate representation of the realities of being a police officer.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Policing is a relentless but immensely rewarding vocation and I am hugely grateful to those who step forward to provide vital public service.
“The Chief Constable has been clear that strengthening and protecting frontline policing is a priority for Police Scotland and we’ve outlined plans to recruit over 1,300 officers this year.
“As with all sorts of jobs, people leave policing for various reasons. However, retention levels within Police Scotland are very high compared with other organisations.”