Suffolk PCC worries fewer people will join the police as reports of abuse towards officers increase
Several officers say they've recently been assaulted
Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner's describing a recent rise in attacks on Suffolk Police's officers as 'appalling' and an 'absolute disgrace'.
It comes after the force revealed, in just under two weeks, it's received reports from multiple officers saying they've been assaulted whilst on duty.
Chief Superintendent Alice Scott said: “Our officers support and protect people in the community and it is unacceptable that they are then assaulted during the course of their duties."
The recent incidents range from physical violence to spitting at officers and Ch Supt Scott added: “Any kind of assault is appalling and at the same time as supporting our frontline officers we will take action against the perpetrators in order to secure a prosecution and bring them to justice.
"Officers receive extensive training to reduce the likelihood of them being assaulted and minimising the risk of harm if an assault takes place.”
We spoke to Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, who said this behaviour is appalling:
“Any attack on our police officers is utterly deplorable and there is no excuse for this sort of behaviour in any circumstances. I hope anyone found guilty of such appalling actions feels the full force of the law.
“People need to remember the police are only doing their job, to maintain law and order and keep everybody in Suffolk safe.”
"There's no place for it in a civilised society and certainly not anywhere in Suffolk"
Tim told us that this increase in abuse makes him worry for "the future of our country as a whole."
He feels the issue has been growing for a while now and there is a "growing trend of lack of respect for law and order, lack of respect for each other.
"...I do think it's a sad reflection on the state of the times."
Tim worries this abuse will have long-term effects on the safety of the county, potentially putting people off from joining the force: "We all want to see more police, we need more police, but if you think you're going to work, and that you're going to have to put up with this sort of nonsense - well, you might think twice about joining."
Tim went onto explain the consequences that could occur as a result of this behaviour: "We all want greater visibility, all employers have a duty of care, so does this mean now that you are more at risk if you patrol on your own?
"Are we going to see less of that? Do we have to have patrols of two or three officers? That's not an efficient use of resources.
"But on the other hand, we've got to look after our people and we don't want them to leave the policing profession."
We asked Tim what he thinks needs to be done to prevent officers being assaulted and abused.
He believes the solution begins at home: "We've got to work together on this, it is about how we bring up our children, how we behave and respect for older people in the classroom, but adults also need to remember they're there to set an example."
He also wants people to speak out when they see bad behaviour: "We've got to make sure that members of the public get up and call out bad behaviour and it could be violence against women and girls. It could be anything. None of this is acceptable."
Examples of some of the assaults that have occurred over the past 10 days are:
Lowestoft – One officer was kicked in the chest and punched in the head and another was bitten by a suspect who had been arrested following a domestic incident. The man, aged 24, was charged with assault and bailed until 30 October.
Newmarket – An officer was assaulted in Newmarket attending a domestic violence dispute. The woman was arrested and bailed until December while the investigation continues.
Ipswich – An officer was punched in the head and a colleague was headbutted in Ipswich Hospital after a man was detained for suspected drink-driving following a road traffic collision. The man was charged with assault and has appeared before magistrates.
Bury St Edmunds – An officer escorting a woman, suspected of drink-driving offences, to the cells at the Police Investigation Centre was kicked three times in the leg. The investigation is ongoing and the woman was bailed.
Ipswich – A Officer was punched in Ipswich by a man resisting arrest for suspected assault of door staff. The man was charged and bailed to appear before Magistrates on 29 October.
Worlington – A man tried to bite officers taking him to custody after a collision. A 19-year-old man was charged with assault and is being investigated for other suspected offences.
Stowmarket – An Officer was bit on the arm by a woman being taken to custody suspected of being drunk and disorderly. A woman was charged and bailed to appear in court on 10 October.
Lowestoft – A man, who was arrested for assault, kicked one officer in the face and spat blood in the faces of two other officers. Active investigation.
Martlesham – An officer was kicked in the leg by a female suspect at the Police Investigation Centre. She was given a Community Resolution Order for being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an officer.
Bungay – Following a domestic abuse incident a male suspect spat at an officer in the James Paget Hospital and has been bailed until 19 November. Investigation continues.