Leicestershire Police Federation Chair reacts to escalating numbers of police assaults

1 August 2024

Leicestershire Police Federation Chair reacts to escalating numbers of police assaults

There were 45,907 assaults on police officers in England & Wales last financial year.

That’s 5,500+ more than last year and a staggering 20,000 more assaults on your police officers than there were in 2017.

In Leicestershire 928 Leicestershire Police officers were assaulted in the past year, a worrying upwards trend on the previous year.

Andy Spence, Chair of Leicestershire Police Federation said: “Sadly in Leicestershire the number of officers assaulted has again risen.

“We have highlighted recently officers being kicked, punched, attacked with knives and driven over. These officers are people’s loved ones. They are human beings, they are the spouses, children and parents of other human beings.

“They did not sign up to be assaulted and they are often assaulted whilst protecting members of the public.

“When these officers are assaulted some of them require hospital treatment, they carry scars both mental and physical. Their families, loved ones, friends see those scars.

“When did it become acceptable to assault an officer?

“There does not seem to be a deterrent when an officer is assaulted. The courts have the power to sentence the attackers properly but this very rarely happens. There needs to be a shift that if an officer is assaulted the attacker goes to prison.

“This will send a clear message that the officers who are protecting the public are themselves protected.”