Federation Statement On Violent Unrest

9 August 2024

Avon and Somerset Police Federation statement on the unrest in Bristol and potential planned violence this weekend:

“Officers are coming together to combat this threat and keep our communities safe, but there are no ‘extra’ officers for the force to call for.

“These officers are the same ones out there policing their neighbourhoods, who are now called upon to combat rioters. They are having their rest days cancelled to tackle this threat. They are fatigued.

“And the level of violence they are facing is unacceptable.

“There is no "two-tier policing" from front line officers. Our colleagues police without fear or favour what is dynamically put in front of them. And they are facing immense danger from thuggery.

“But what we will say is that the Government has vowed to back police officers… but will they back their words with actions?

“Our members are wary of using force because using force doesn’t look great on cameras. We expect officers to stand in danger and deal in danger but when they do, politicians and the press very quickly vilify them.

“The obsession for finding wrongdoing from those under the most immense pressure needs to be replaced by having some respect for our officers. Are politicians going to stand up and support officers when they use force to quell the disorder?

“Police officers are not robots. We are mothers and fathers. Sons and daughters. Husbands, wives and partners. We should be going home at the end of our shifts. Not to hospital.

“These are difficult times, and we as a Federation continue to work with the force to ensure officers are well equipped, remunerated, and their welfare is prioritised.”