Assaults On Officers "Still Too High"

24 June 2020

Behind every assault statistic is a police officer just trying to do their job, Kent Police Federation has said.

New figures show that assaults on officers have risen by 24% in the four weeks to 7 June, as the country has emerged out of lockdown.

That has prompted Home Secretary Priti Patel to announce her intention to double the maximum sentence for those convicted of assaulting emergency workers.

Neil Mennie, Chairman of Kent Police Federation, agrees this is the correct way forward.

He said: “This is a further important announcement protecting our police colleagues and indeed all emergency service workers.

“Every week I see the figures here in Kent and behind each one is an officer trying to do their job and protect the public.

“The numbers are still too high and the recent spike in particular with coughing and spitting assaults is disgusting.

“A minority of individuals have sought to use this terrible pandemic to try to intimidate and threaten our colleagues.

“One thing we can be sure of is that they will fail and be arrested – be it Covid-related or any other type of assault.”

The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 came into force less than two years ago after a concerted campaign by the Police Federation and MPs.

It doubled the previous maximum jail sentence for assaulting emergency workers from six to 12 months. Now the Government has indicated it will extend the maximum sentence again to two years.

Neil added: “The Assault on Emergency Workers Act was long overdue and an important step in the right direction.

“Too often when our members as a last resort use force, they are portrayed as the villain – based on a snapshot of a situation where they are trying to protect the public, victims and themselves from serious assault.

“These new assault figures also represent the patience and professionalism that officers use –sometimes at great cost to themselves. They must be fully supported when they are hurt or injured.

“I will continue to state that the system cannot be one rule for suspects and another for officers. The least our members can expect is a significant sentence handed down by the courts and on a consistent basis.

“The Crown Prosecution Service and Government have indicated their support, and we look forward to seeing the increase in minimum sentencing. This is another important step in Protecting the Protectors.”