Fed condemns assault on officer 'simply doing her job'

18 August 2023

West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke has condemned an attack on a police officer who was trying to arrest a domestic abuse suspect.

The female officer was punched in the throat and was unable to complete her shift after the incident in Walsall last Wednesday (16 August).

Rich said: “The officer was punched in the throat and was left struggling for breath.

“She was attacked while simply doing her job and trying to help someone.”

Rich has recently repeated his calls for tougher sentences for people who assault police officers and emergency services workers.

The latest figures show there were 2,917 recorded assaults on West Midlands Police officers in the year ending March 2023.

This equates to 4.3 assaults per 1,000 officers which is well above the national average of 2.9 assaults per 1,000 officers in England and Wales.

Rich said: “The statistics show assaults against our members are still at historically high levels and show no signs of retreating. West Midlands officers are more likely to be assaulted than their colleagues in other forces.

“There has to be a proper deterrent to bring an end to the rising threat faced by our members.

“Judges and magistrates must use the sentencing powers they have to their full extent to ensure those who assault police officers and other emergency service workers receive the maximum tariff sentences available.”