Low Police Salaries Drive Down Recruitment in Portugal
Portugal's police salaries are dampening the dreams of young recruits.
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- Low wages are weakening young people's interest in policing.
- A 13% drop in 2025, 447 fewer applicants.
- Insufficient shift pay and high risk reduce the profession's appeal.
Insufficient Pay Undermines Recruitment
Portugal's public sector, including the National Health Service (SNS), has been slow to raise police salaries. This has severely impacted young people's desire to join the PSP.
Job Security and Risk Factors
The high-risk nature of policing, combined with low shift allowances and inadequate social benefits, makes the profession less attractive to young applicants. The 13% decline in 2025, with 447 fewer candidates, highlights the issue.
- Number of PSP applicants fell 13% in 2025 compared to 2024.
- The increase in the maximum age to 35 has limited impact on youth interest.
- Lack of job security, psychological fatigue, and low shift pay reduce appeal.