Police chief inspectors and inspectors are bullied, stressed, and endure excessive work hours, a report said on Tuesday.
A survey by the Police Federation, the body which represents rank and file officers in England and Wales, said many in these ranks were finding it hard to cope with the demands being made on them.
Paul Ginger, chairman of the Federation's Inspectors' Central Committee, said the issue could eventually affect officers' commitment to their job.
"Over a period of time, the strong levels of commitment are unlikely to be sustainable if excessive workloads and lack of work-life balance prevail," he said.
The "Well-Being at Work" census of inspectors and chief inspectors, who bridge the gap between senior officers and those on the frontline, found that many were struggling to balance their working and private lives.
It said it was likely that changes to the police service over the last 15-20 years had increased the demands and responsibilities being placed on inspectors.
Those who worked more than 61 hours a week voiced particular concerns about the risk to their health and psychological well-being.
The report said 46 percent of respondents had been absent from work because of illness but decided to take leave instead, while 29 percent reported being bullied by senior managers or supervisors.
The study, which will be presented to delegates at the Federation's annual conference which begins in Bournemouth on Tuesday, called for senior managers to break the culture of long hours.
"We hope chief officers will sit up and take notice of the recommendations contained within the report," Ginger said.
