There are still 'far too many assaults on our members' says Fed chair

10 November 2023

Nottinghamshire Police Federation chair Simon Riley says an assault on a police officer is an attack on us all.

Simon’s comments come as figures show that attacks on Nottinghamshire Police officers are averaging out at more than one day.

Simon said: “Our members are husbands and wives, mums and dads, sons and daughters and when one is attacked it’s an attack on us all.

“The impact of an assault on an officer shouldn’t be underestimated. It can affect their physical and mental health and can take a toll on their family and colleagues as well.

"It can't be accepted that police officers face being assaulted just for doing their jobs."

Figures from Nottinghamshire Police show that there were 584 assaults on  officers and staff in 2022/23. The figure was down from 622 assaults in 2021/22, which was a steep increase on the previous year when there were 361 recorded assaults.

Simon said: “We’ve seen a small reduction in reported assaults on our officers, but did see a huge increase the previous year.

“This may be down to more accurate reporting under Operation Hampshire but, whatever the case, it highlights a startling number of assaults on our members simply doing their job.”

The most common form of assault was being kicked (152 incidents), punched (81) and being spat at (64).

Just under one third (32 per cent) of attacks resulted in no injury recorded with pain and discomfort recorded in 194 incidents, bruising in 43 cases and scratches in 35.

Simon said: “There are still far too many assaults on our members and the figures are indicative of the dangers they face each day when performing their role.”

Now Simon is urging the courts to impose tougher sentences on attackers to send out a message that assaults on police officers won’t be tolerated.

“Stricter and more effective sentencing of offenders is key to improving protection of our members and preventing even more assaults,” he said.

“The courts and the Crown Prosecution Service have the powers and the specific legislation at their disposal, but don’t seem to recognise the dangers our members face.

“The toughest possible sentences need to be handed down to those who attack emergency workers to deter such offences.”

READ MORE: Fed chair encourages members to sign up for men's health webinar.