New body armour for frontline police officers in Staffordshire
New body armour is set to be rolled out to police in Staffordshire amid rising concerns over assaults and violence against officers.
Chiefs at Staffordshire Police say the move – along with the introduction of new Tasers – will ensure all staff are kept safe on the front line.
It comes as the National Police Chiefs’ Council called for safety training to be overhauled in light of growing violence against police.
In Staffordshire, however, the force has seen a fall of almost 12 per cent, up to March this year, of assaults carried out on staff or officers.
But they have said they won’t let up with training set to be reviewed, body armour being purchased, and body-worn cameras used.
Sergeant Phil Jones, chairman of Staffordshire Police Federation said: “The reduction in the number of assaults on my colleagues is very welcome.
“However, sadly this is not reflected across the country. The force has recently upgraded to the X2 Taser, is in the process of purchasing new body armour and Tac Vests and is continually reviewing how it delivers quality training to all officers.
“The federation will continue to work with the force to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our members is at the forefront of what we do.”
Officers also have batons, handcuffs, spit and bite guards, Pava spray and leg restraints to use – with Special Constables also being given additional equipment and body-worn cameras.
Assistant Chief Constable Justin Bibby said: "Officers and staff should never be assaulted but if it does happen we work to make sure they have the proper protection and support they need.
"We take our duty of care to all employees very seriously. The force has been proactive in how it responds to the increase in mental health issues including investing heavily in Occupational Health and bringing specialist training in house, especially for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder."
A seven-step plan has also been drawn up to help officers assaulted in the line of duty overcome any of the mental health side effects.
Staff who have been involved in serious or traumatic incidents are also offered Trauma Risk Incident Management.
