Cheshire Police vows to improve safety amid 50 attacks on officers each month

Cheshire Police chiefs have vowed to increase safety of its officers amid shocking statistics which show they suffer an average 50 attacks a month.

Bosses have reacted to a national review which included a survey of more than 40,000 officers across the UK in response to concerns about a rising tide of assaults and violence against officers.

In the past 12 months, Cheshire Police has recorded 637 assaults on officers – with or without injury – which equates to more than 50 assaults a month

Police safety training is to be overhauled and an assessment of equipment available to the frontline will be carried out.

Cheshire’s action plan also includes a focus on training and wellbeing support, equipment and operational response, criminal justice outcomes and roads policing and officer safety.

The survey was commissioned by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing.

All 28 recommendations were agreed by Chief Constables’ Council but publication of the report was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was published for the first time today (September 2).

Cheshire Police Chief Constable Darren Martland (pictured) said: “Any attack on a police officer is shocking but recent incidents across the country serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that they face on a daily basis.

“The safety of my officers is of paramount importance and I am committed to doing all I can to ensure they are properly trained and equipped with the tools they need to do their job effectively.

“That is why the force is supporting this national review, commissioned by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

“It will complement the work we already carry out to asses and mitigate the threats and risk our officers face.

“As well as the national survey, an internal review has also been carried out.

“From both our findings and those from the national review, an action plan has been put together in relation to the key points.

“Those areas have been allocated a senior officer to take the lead and start to make a real difference in ensuring our officers’ safety.

“The impact of an assault on an officer should not be underestimated.

“Not only does this have an effect on their physical and mental wellbeing it also potentially takes an officer off the streets for a period of time putting added pressure on others to uphold the level of service we strive to provide to the communities of Cheshire.

“I am committed to ensuring that as a force we are doing everything we can to reduce the risk to our officers.

“However, in cases where an officer is assaulted on duty we will make sure they receive all the necessary support from the Constabulary and, where appropriate, action is taken against offenders and they are brought to justice.

“It is important to remember that attacking an emergency services worker is a criminal offence and can result in a jail sentence.”

David Keane, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, added: “I am supportive of these changes which will provide more protection for police officers and police staff.

“No officer or PCSO should go to work expecting to be attacked but, sadly, this is becoming an increasingly regular occurrence.

“Individuals working on the frontline put themselves at risk every day to protect Cheshire residents, therefore it’s vital they are provided with the right training and appropriate equipment to allow them to carry out their roles safely.”