Federation Statement on Policing Protests

28 August 2025

Police officers across the country facilitate peaceful protest without fear or favour. When protestors break the law, the public would expect police offices to take action - and we are of course accountable for that action.

But it must be said that the demands and scrutiny on our colleagues at this time are great. And it's relentless.

Officers continue to lose time with their families, friends and loved ones and much need rest because they have been called in to police protests. They also are being injured. A number of colleagues were assaulted this past weekend.

We must remember there are no "extra" police officers. Just the same hard-working ones having their days off cancelled, having to work longer shifts and being moved from other areas.

Officers are emotionally and physically exhausted. And it's not sustainable.