Figures obtained by National's Police spokesman Tony Ryall show more police are leaving the force earlier in their careers.

"Low morale and frustration at cost cutting measures are having a big effect on the career decisions of frontline staff.

"In the first year under Labour, the profile of sworn staff leaving the force has changed dramatically. Officers are leaving the force earlier," Mr Ryall said.

In 1999 9% of all police leaving left after six years service, last year it jumped to one fifth (19%). In 1999 14% of all police leaving left after eight years service, last year it was 29%.

Half of all police who left the force in 1999 did so after 14-15 years service. Last year, under Labour, it was after only 11-12 years service.

"Police officers who have been in the force for seven or eight years are the future leaders of policing. Unfortunately, many police men and women don't see the police force as a long term career anymore.

"Low morale is having a bad effect on the police frontline. The Government's cuts will only mean that the number of sworn staff leaving the police force in the early years of their career will get worse," Mr Ryall said.

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