The attacks include employees being punched in the head, bitten, spat and coughed at, kicked, scalded with hot water, head-butted and having their eyes gouged – all within the last few months.
Since lockdown began in March, 87 assaults against North Yorkshire Police officers and staff have been reported. During the same period in 2019, the number was 55. That’s a 58% rise.
In the last month alone, there have been 21 reported offences. The figures cover police officers, PCSOs, custody personnel, police staff, Special Constables and volunteers.
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Chief Constable Lisa Winward said the assaults showed a “deplorable attitude to those who are making great sacrifices to serve their communities”:
“Throughout the pandemic, officers and staff across the force have being showing a level of commitment, diligence and professionalism that is nothing short of incredible.
“Some colleagues have made significant personal sacrifices so they can continue to serve the public, such as not living with their families. Many have put their own anxieties aside, as they face difficult or potentially dangerous situations head-on. All have stepped up to the mark to help deliver an exceptional level of policing, right across North Yorkshire.
“So these assaults reflect a deplorable attitude to those who are making a great sacrifice to serve their communities.
If you assault an emergency services worker, you will be dealt with robustly to the full extent of the law. It’s that simple.”
North Yorkshire Police Federation Secretary, PC Brad Jackson, said police officers and staff have played a very important role during the pandemic:
“North Yorkshire Police Federation is incredibly proud of our members professional response and dedication to serving our public during the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately we have continued to see incidents of abuse and violence against our officers.
“The Federation campaigned nationally for the introduction of the Emergency Workers (Offences) Act which carries a punishment of 12 months’ imprisonment for anyone found guilty of an offence against police officers and emergency personnel.
“We urge the courts to do the right thing by using their full sentencing powers so that the law provides the deterrent and punitive effect it was intended to.
