More than 1,500 attacks on police in West Midlands during Covid-19 pandemic
Police in the West Midlands have been attacked more than 1,500 times during the Covid-19 pandemic, figures show.
The Police Federation of England and Wales say the attacks show "we are living in a more violent society which needs to take a long hard look at itself", adding that those caught should be sent to prison.
West Midlands Police recorded 1,567 attacks on officers from February to November last year. Staffordshire Police recorded 232 attacks over the same period.
The West Midlands figure was up from the 1,343 reported during the same period in 2019.
The highest number was recorded in August when there were 173.
As officers face this additional challenge in policing, they are also coping with coronavirus – West Midlands Police data shows there had been 300 positive Covid-19 tests on police officers up to December 10.
National chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, John Apter, said the attacks on police officers during the pandemic was "a serious issue for us all".
He said: “Those who attack emergency workers have a complete lack of respect for anything or anybody. Without doubt, we are living in a more violent society which needs to take a long hard look at itself."
He added: "We need officers to have the very best protection, and there must be a strong deterrent – that deterrent should be time in prison, no ifs, no buts.
"Time and time again we see officers who have been badly assaulted, and they see their attacker being let off with little more than just a slap on the wrist.
"This is offensive and fails to give that deterrent which is so desperately needed."
In September, the government announced plans to double the maximum jail term for criminals who assault emergency workers to two years.
Two years before a previous law change doubled the maximum term from six months to 12 in England and Wales.
Firefighters, prison officers and NHS staff are also classed as emergency workers.
Sentence
Policing minister Kit Malthouse said: "Our brave police officers go to work every day to protect the public and being attacked should never be part of the job.
“Anyone who commits these despicable assaults should expect to face the full force of the law, which is why we are doubling the maximum sentence for those who assault emergency workers.
“This year, as well as continuing to recruit 20,000 additional police officers, we will enshrine a police covenant in law to provide better support for our selfless officers, staff, and their families - one of the key areas will be on the physical protection of officers.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Beard, West Midlands Police lead for coronavirus, said: “Assaults on emergency workers who do crucial work for the good of us all are deplorable.
“Purposely coughing or spitting at anyone is a disgusting act, and to do so towards emergency service workers during a pandemic is dangerous and utterly unacceptable. This is an offence and those caught will be prosecuted with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service.
"Our officers and staff are out in communities, working in challenging circumstances, and I am grateful for their continued hard work.”
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "“The impact that assaults on police officers on staff have on the profession cannot and should not be underestimated.
"Assaults should never be seen as part of the job and officers should be able to go about their work without fear of abuse or attack. However, we know that is not always the reality.
"The impact can have long-term effects on the individual that may not always be apparent and are not always physical."
