Being assaulted must never be seen as part of the job for a police officer, says a force. Sussex Police has made a seven point plan as it seeks to better know how many officers are being assaulted; as many do not make official reports.
The force worked with Unison, the Police Federation and the Superintendents Association on the plan for consistently dealing with assaults on staff and officers. Since 2013, almost 3,000 assaults have been reported on Sussex officers, who have suffered dislocated shoulders, kicks, snapped Achilles tendons, bruises and scratches, besides being spat at; meaning having to go through HIV and hepatitis tests.
In March 2014, PC Georgie Edge was punched repeatedly and held around the neck by a suspect while trying to break up a fight in Portslade. She suffered injuries to her shoulder and back as well as swelling to her face. PC Edge said: “I have been a police officer for more than ten years and in my service I have never experienced such violence targeted at me. I was left extremely shocked at the level of violence used towards me. During the attack I honestly believed I was going to die. I am shocked that someone would launch an attack on me in the way the man did and I have been left feeling extremely shaken and upset. No one has the right to assault me for doing my job.
“I suffered for quite a while after the assault, with anxiety, guilt issues and disturbed sleep. The incident did make me question whether I should continue in the job as I have three children and that worry I always had about not making it home after a shift felt very real on that night. I love being a police officer and am proud of what I do, for that reason I continue in the job. I hear all too often “It’s part of the job” and although it does happen because of the job, that doesn’t make it right.”
This footage shows an officer being assaulted in Brighton in May 2015: https://youtu.be/UJzhT4nfy_8.
Sussex Assistant Chief Constable Laurence Taylor said: “Every day officers go out on the frontline to protect the public and this often means helping them at times when they are going through or find themselves in challenging or difficult situations. While distressing, this does not give anyone the right to physically or verbally assault our officers or staff. If anyone in force is assaulted while on duty the impact can be huge. Not only is that person affected, but also their team and their family. Policing can be a dangerous and unpredictable job, but being assaulted must never be seen as an acceptable part of it.
“Being assaulted is not part of the job. While assaults on officers do happen, our commitment is to do everything to reduce this and when they do happen, that they are dealt with, with the same level of care and focus that a member of the public would receive.”
The Police Federation meanwhile says that the pressures of policing are taking a toll; according to a national survey on officer demand, capacity and welfare.
