Rise in assaults condemned

11 January 2021

West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott has called for offenders who assault frontline workers to receive the maximum sentencing after a steep rise in attacks.

Jon says he’s sickened by new figures that reveal a 10 per cent increase in the number of attacks on emergency services personnel during November compared to the previous year.

The figures have been revealed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) which 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”.

Jon said: “Any assault on emergency workers is appalling but to see such a large increase in the numbers of attacks is shocking. And what makes it even more shocking is the fact that the rise has been driven by assaults in which Covid-19 is used as a potential weapon.

“It’s sickening that the people who are on the frontline in this pandemic, supporting and protecting the public, are the ones being attacked for doing their jobs.

“Where offenders are brought to justice, it’s essential they receive the maximum possible sentences to send out the message it’s unacceptable.”

His comments have been echoed by John Apter, the national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

He said: “I’m disgusted to see this appalling increase as Covid-19 continues to spread. These figures will include many police officers being spat at and coughed at by vile individuals who weaponise the virus, which threatens their health and that of their families.

“It’s disgustingly offensive that 999 workers, who are working so hard to protect the public throughout this crisis, are being attacked and assaulted in this way.

“People need to remember that these emergency workers are mums and dads, and sons and daughters who have families to go home to at the end of a shift. Those who commit these despicable offences must be harshly dealt with by the courts and face the full force of the law.

“PFEW will continue our campaign to increase sentences against those who assault us through our ‘Protect The Protectors’ campaign. It is vital to ensure courts issue tougher sentences to those who assault emergency service workers. If you assault a police officer you should expect to spend time in prison, no ifs, no buts.”

Other findings in the NPCC figures include:

• Serious violent crime, including grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and personal robbery reduced by 20 per cent
• Shoplifting was down 32 per cent
• Vehicle crime fell by 22 per cent
• Residential burglary was down by 23 per cent
• In total, 32,329 fixed penalty notices have been recorded as having been issued in England and Wales under Coronavirus Regulations between Friday 27 March and Monday 21 December 2020.