A SPIKE in the number of violent attacks on police officers has prompted an emergency summit of Chief Constables.<\/p>\n
The National Police Chiefs\u2019 Council (NPCC) is set to gather in September to thrash out plans about how to better protect officers from being assaulted on duty.<\/p>\n
In recent months, there have been reports of attacks against police using machetes \u2013 over and above the punches and kicks they face every day.<\/p>\n
And Thames Valley Police officer PC Andrew Harper was killed in the line of duty in July.<\/p>\n
At the meeting, chiefs from every force will be asked to give their view on how to deal with the increase in violence.<\/p>\n
Writing in his blog for the NPCC website, Chair Martin Hewitt said chiefs have a responsibility to keep their officers safe. Part of that, he said, was to ensure they had access to Taser.<\/p>\n
He wrote: \u201cNothing else we (chief constables) do is as important – because if we can\u2019t protect our people, how can we protect the public?<\/p>\n
\u201cEach chief keeps the threats and risks in their force under constant review and ensures that training, equipment, resources and tactics are matched to the nature of local circumstances.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe recent brutal attacks on officers and the tragic death of PC Andrew Harper remind us all that, even with the right training and equipment, police officers can be vulnerable to the most violent aggressors.<\/p>\n
\u201cLevels of violence are an increasing concern across the country, and attacks on our officers have gone up. That\u2019s why chiefs are increasing the number of officers trained to use Taser.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve recently changed the rules so that student officers, who face the same threats as their colleagues with greater experience, can also be trained to carry Taser \u2013 subject to the same rigorous assessment and training process.\u201d<\/p>\n
PFEW Chairman John Apter backed the plans but reiterated his desire for every officer to have Taser as part of their protective kit \u2013 if they want it.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThis emergency summit is crucial, and action must be taken now.<\/p>\n
\u201cAssaults on officers show no signs of abating \u2013 not to mention the shocking incidents over the last month.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NPCC has asked the Federation to contribute to the discussion where we will once again be pushing chiefs to commit to rolling-out Taser to all who want it.<\/p>\n
\u201cOfficers are telling me daily they are feeling vulnerable due to the lack of this vital, life-saving protective equipment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know chiefs want to do the right thing, but they must also be seen to do the right thing.\u201d<\/p>\n