Scotland Yard chief Bernard Hogan-Howe was branded a “bully” today as a rank-and-file police leader warned that his tactics were leading to an exhausted and demoralised force.
John Tully, the Met Police Federation chairman, said the Commissioner’s “Total Policing” drive meant officers were repeatedly being forced to cancel holidays and rest days.
The Met chief’s policy includes “Big Wing” operations involving hundreds of officers being deployed across London to target specific crimes such as burglary and uninsured driving.
Mr Tully said Met officers have had about 750,000 rest days cancelled since the riots in London last year.
He said: “People cannot get their annual leave because of Total Policing. The leadership enforcing these hours are being seen as almost bullies.
“The perception is that the Commissioner is a bully and that rolls down the line to his senior staff. They are being forced to implement policies with an exhausted workforce.”
Mr Tully spoke out as an internal staff survey found just 47 per cent of officers and staff said they were satisfied with their job, the lowest total since the poll was launched five years ago.
Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey said the Yard faces the “considerable challenge” of saving £500 million.
He said: “We’re doing a lot of work with leaders, everyone from sergeants and above, to talk about what the future will look like. These changes will have an impact on people; it’s not easy, we’re very aware of that.”
A Met spokesman said : “An organisation facing the challenges of the Met needs a robust and strong leader. London deserves a world class police force and its leaders need to deliver this.
“Results, such as a fall in key crime areas, show that officers and staff within the Met are coming together to support the changes required, but there will always be some people who aren't happy. “
