Worrying new figures show a rise in assaults on Sussex police officers

31 July 2020

Sussex Police officers have suffered more assaults this year than last, ‘worrying’ new figures have shown.

The Government stats show a total of 1,151 police constables in the county were assaulted in 2019/20 compared to 1,033 in 2018/19.

Over 280 of the assaults this year left Sussex officers with an injury of some sort. Nationally more than 30,000 officers were attacked, an increase of 3% on 2018/19.

Sussex Police Federation said it was concerned by the figures and the impact increased violence against the police was having on officers and their families.

“The total of 1151 Sussex Police officers assaulted in 2019/20 means that three police officers were assaulted every single day,” said Federation Secretary Simon Steele.

“This increase is a very worrying trend and despite the lockdown we continue to see more of our officers experiencing unwarranted violence being used against them.

“My colleagues have families and loved ones too and the effects on their loved ones when one of them is assaulted cannot be underestimated.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she is well aware of the growing need to tackle violence against blue light workers and has vowed to double the maximum sentences available to two years.

Any legislation would follow the 2018 Protect the Protectors Bill which saw the sentencing power of the courts go from six months to a year in prison.

“Until the courts start handing out stiffer sentences to deter those who choose to assault a police officer then I am concerned that this upward trend will continue,” Simon said.

“Any assault on a police officer is an attack on society and this should be reflected in the sentencing handed down by the courts.

“It’s important to remember that police officers put themselves in danger every single day to protect all of us and keep us safe.

“At a time of national crisis our police officers have more than played their part in protecting the public. We all have a part to play in providing greater protection to those who protect us. Our brave police officers deserve nothing less.”

For the full report visit; https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/904523/police-officers-assaulted-201920-england-wales.pdf