Chair ‘horrified’ at increase in officer assaults

18 January 2021

West Mercia Police Federation chair Sarah Cooper says she’s “absolutely horrified” at the rising levels of violent attacks on officers.

A total of 17 West Mercia police officers were assaulted over the Christmas and New Year period.

The attacks, between 17 December and 3 January, included officers being punched, kicked and throttled as well as being bitten and spat on, assaults which could potentially infect them with Covid-19. One officer even had urine thrown at him.

The officers involved suffered a range of injuries including a fractured finger, sprains, bruising, scratches and bite injuries.

Sarah said: “I’m absolutely horrified at the increasing level of violence being shown to officers. It’s completely unacceptable that our members should come to work to protect the public and return home to their families with injuries sustained in the course of their duties. There is also the potential for these attacks to have a negative effect on officers’ mental health and wellbeing and this should not be underestimated.

“It can never be accepted that being assaulted is just part of the job. Our colleagues come to work and face risk every day to keep the public safe, they should not have to endure this level of violence.

“Measures need to be taken to address this.”

Sarah’s comments came as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) released figures which showed a 10 per cent increase in the number of attacks on emergency services personnel during November compared to the previous year.

The NPCC said: “It is thought the rise may be driven by increases in common assaults on police constables, including suspects spitting on officers while claiming to be infected with Covid-19.”

The Police Federation of England and Wales is calling for increased sentences against offenders who assault officers through the Protect the Protectors campaign.

Sarah added: “We need to give our colleagues as much support and protection as possible. It’s essential that these offences are properly investigated and that our officers are afforded the same consideration as any other victim of crime. The courts need to  send out the message that this is completely unacceptable. Any attack on an officer is an attack on society and offenders who are guilty of such attacks need to be given the maximum possible sentences.”