More police officers quit in 2022 compared to last year with most saying they were resigning due to being unhappy in their role.

Kent Police was asked to provide data on how many officers have left in the last six years, including reasons why and how long into their service they were at the time of leaving.

Most recent data recorded between January and October this year shows 120 people have left, which already exceeded the number who left last year (113).

In 46% of resignations this year, the person had less than two years' experience.

The most common reason for leaving was being unhappy at work (32), followed by change in personal circumstances (29).

Of those who left due to being unhappy at work, 14 had less than two years' service, and 11 had between two and four years' service.

In nine cases, an officer has resigned during or as a result of an investigation, four of whom had less than two years' service.

Being unhappy at work accounted for 21% of resignations in 2021 with the most common reason due to "aspirational or advancement".

Since 2017, there has been an average of 92 resignations a year.

Richard Leicester, director of human resources at Kent Police, said: "The number of Kent Police officers has significantly increased in recent years and by March 2023 we will have the most in our history, at 4,145 full-time equivalent officers.

"Whilst it is therefore not surprising that the number of resignations has also increased during that time, we are committed to doing everything we can to retain those officers who may be considering a transfer to another force or exiting the profession altogether.

"Serving the public through policing is hugely rewarding, but it is also a demanding and challenging role.

"In August 2022, we launched our Keep it Kent campaign to address the possible reasons why officers choose to leave Kent Police, and to strengthen our pre-existing services such as supporting officers with their career progression, wellbeing support and providing development opportunities.

"We also launched a new online forum where officers can seek alternative postings, enabling them to work closer to home and thereby improving their work-life balance and helping them to cut the cost of commuting.

"Officers also have access to advice and support on other money matters including bills, budgeting, and debt.

"As part of the Keep it Kent campaign, and with the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the South East Allowance paid to officers in Kent also increased from £2,500 to £3,000 in September 2022.

"Anyone interested in joining Kent Police is urged to visit www.kent.police.uk/jobs for further information."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service also asked the force to provide further details about the nine officers who resigned this year as a result of or during an investigation this year, but this information was not provided.