Concern over the number of attacks on Lincolnshire police officers
On average one officer is assaulted everyday
New figures have revealed on average one Lincolnshire police officer is assaulted everyday
In 2021 there were a total of 435 injuries and attacks on officers while on duty,
That's a small increase on the stats from the previous year.
117 were injured while on duty in 2021, and another 318 were attacked.
These can have a severe impact on victims, an officer who leads the force’s policy says, with charges being brought against offenders wherever possible.
We spoke to Sergeant Lee Johnson from the force leads of the policy to support officers who are assaulted.
He told us: "We'll look at how we can look to increase the safety of officers through training, education and guidance."
"But similar to that we need to show the public we are taking this seriously and that if you were to assault an officer or racially abuse an officer there's a chance you'll be charged and taken to court."
Meanwhile the Police Sentencing Bill has recently increased the maximum prison sentence for people assaulting emergency workers from one up to two years.
“This has been a while coming, but it is certainly a good message from the government,” Sergeant Johnson says.
“It’s Lincolnshire Police’s policy to take attacks very seriously, and look at charges wherever there is the evidence.
However, we also take into account the thoughts and feelings of the victims, and may look at other diverting options for younger offenders.
“Every officer who is attacked has access to counselling and someone to talk to if they wish, as well as physiotherapy and compensation if it is relevant.
This also applies to people who have suffered homophobic abuse, sexual assaults and death threats.”
He says that Lincolnshire Police is fortunate not to have had many serious injuries, with the worst being the stabbing of PC Steven Denniss who was trying to apprehend double-murderer Daniel Boulton.
Boulton received 40 years for the murders of Bethany Vincent and Darren Henson, and 21 months for the assault on PC Denniss.
However, less serious assaults can still have significant consequences, Sergeant Johnson said.
“If someone spits at in officer’s face or mouth, they will likely need to go to hospital for anti-viral treatment.
There were cases in the pandemic when people tried to deliberately infect officers with Covid,” he said.
“Nationally there were 30,000 assaults on officers around the country last year – that’s one every 20 minutes.
“Protecting officers is an ongoing work, and we will to continue to improve our support for them.”