NEWS THE SILENT BATTLEFRONT


The rising tide and tragic human cost of negative narratives around UK policing. By Emily Smith, Emergency Services News


In recent years, there’s been a palpable shift in public perception of UK police. This shift is not a product of isolated incidents, but a systemic change reflected in media narratives. For those within the rank and file, it’s a rising tide that seems impossible to stem.


THE TURNING OF THE TIDES It is hard to ignore the increasing number of negative stories dominating the news landscape. This trend overlooks the


on the men and women serving in law enforcement?


THE CLASH OF PUBLIC SENTIMENT AND INTERNAL PERCEPTIONS Inside the force, a troubling perspective is emerging.


this sentiment has been unduly shaped and intensified by a sensationalist media, focusing on the flaws rather than the merits of the force. There’s a growing feeling that the


“Many officers perceive that senior management is actively seeking to make examples of their colleagues to appease public sentiment”


countless daily sacrifices and successes of police officers.


So, what’s behind this sudden surge of negativity, and what are its impacts


08 | POLICE | JUNE 2023 Many officers perceive that senior


management is actively seeking to make examples of their colleagues to appease public sentiment. They argue


management isn’t doing enough to correct this skewed narrative. On the contrary, some within the force feel their superiors are capitulating to the wave of criticism, fuelling its momentum, rather than countering it.


THE FALLOUT:


DWINDLING MORALE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS


This unsettling trend is causing morale within the force to plummet. Where once


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