Dozens of police officers attacked over festive period in last three years
Christmas and New Year is often considered the most challenging time of the year for police officers – and new figures have revealed how many have come under attack in the West Midlands.
It may be a time for peace and goodwill, but that attitude has not always been on shown towards bobbies who have been the victims of assault 75 times during Christmas and New Year celebrations over the last three years.
Figures released by West Midlands Police showed its officers were on the receiving end of the most violence during last year’s New Year celebrations. Some 21 officers were victims of physical attacks on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2019.
Another three were hurt on Christmas Eve.
New Year’s Eve is traditionally the busiest day of the year for emergency services and police officers invariably find themselves having to deal with revellers who have had one too many.
Last year saw a spike in aggression towards the police.
Over Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve 2017 and New Year’s Day 2018 there were nine assaults on officers.
New Year’s Day 2019 saw the highest number of attacks on officers since the same day three years earlier, the figures showed. The severity of any injuries sustained by officers was not revealed.
The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file bobbies, is campaigning for tougher sentences for those who attack officers.
It also wants more body-worn cameras, Tasers and spit and bite guards to be rolled out to provide greater protection.
The Federation said research had shown and assault on a police officer happens every four minutes in the UK.
