Assaults double – but should never be part of the job

ASSAULTS on police officers are not part and parcel of the job, and never should be, the Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.

Zuleika Payne was talking after figures emerged showing that the number of assaults on police officers in South Yorkshire has doubled in the past four years. 

According to The Star newspaper, 265 officers were assaulted last year – compared to 129 in 2013.

And Zuleika said that the new welfare procedures put in place to support assaulted officers will go some way to ensuring officers do not see being attacked as something to be expected.

She said: “The figures are disappointing and alarming, but sadly it doesn’t come as any surprise. We do not want to be in a situation whereby our mindset is that it’s part and parcel of the job, because that should never be the case.

“But what it is indicative of is the dangers that officers face and the expectation of the public that they run towards danger. Sadly, they can be badly injured in the process of trying trying to serve and protect.

“What we’ve done here in South Yorkshire is provide an 8-point plan following an officer assault, so that supervisors and line managers can be absolutely clear on the support and the process that follows. That way we ensure some uniformity, continuity and consistency in our approach in dealing with officers post-incident.

“We also adopt the TRiM process which is where we risk assess the trauma that’s been endured and the experience of the officer. On the periphery of that we have the initiatives such as Blue Light Campaign and occupational health servcies, for continued care. Our Federation insurance policy also offer access to private healthcare providers and counselling.

“So the assault is one concern, and not allowing it to become part and parcel of the job. Then it’s how we support the officer post-incident, and the wrap around that we can give.”

Holly Lynch MP announced in late June that she has been selected in the ballot to introduce a Private Members’ Bill to Parliament – and will use the opportunity to try to introduce legislation on police assaults as part of the #ProtectTheProtectors campaign.

Zuleika added: “It’s much needed because at the moment we’re in danger of sending out the wrong message, and it’s wholly unacceptable that anyone attacks or assaults a police officer.

“From the research I’ve done within my force, when we started the Protect the Protectors campaign, I have been able to identify common themes. Poor support from the organisation, poor support from the Crown Prosecution Service, and poor disposal outcomes from the case.

“So officers, having put themselves in harm’s way, receive an injury, and then feel badly let down by the system. This is wholly unacceptable. As we’ve said before, an attack on a police officer is an attack on society, which is why this has got to urgently be addressed.”