LAW AND DISORDER
Police warning after sharp rise in officer assaults
PUNCHED, kicked, spat on and even attacked with weapons — assaults on police have skyrocketed prompting a stern warning to offenders that officers will use force to defend themselves.
In the past month there have been 22 assaults on police officers recorded in the Townsville district, almost double the monthly average last financial year.
The severity has also increased with 12 serious assaults recorded compared with the monthly average of six.
Townsville Police acting Inspector Scot Warrick said police would not tolerate violence and had a number of options available to them to defend themselves including OC ( pepper) spray and Tasers.
“We receive extensive training in de- escalation and communication and we will always endeavour to resolve any incident peacefully,” Insp Warrick said.
“However, if police officers are attacked or assaulted police can and will use a reasonable amount of force to defend themselves and people should be aware of that.”
Insp Warrick said officers were always concerned about the possibility of being assaulted and recent incidents had demonstrated the dangers police face.
Earlier this month a 38year- old senior constable was in danger of losing his sight after he was smashed in the head with a piece of wood while responding to a break and enter.
The officer was arresting one offender when another man threw the large piece of timber in his face.
He has since been cleared of any long- term damage.
A 19- year- old was arrested and charged with serious assault on police in relation to that incident.
Last week another officer was taken to hospital after being kicked in the face and chest while loading an alleged offender into a police car.
Insp Warrick said drugs and alcohol were contributing factors in most assaults on police.
“Drugs reduce someone’s ability to make good judgments and can stimulate irrational behaviour,” he said.
“I’ve been with the police force for 31 years … this sort of offending has always been there … but violence towards police and violence towards all the community is a critical issue at the moment.”
Townsville Police Chief Superintendent Kev Guteridge said Queensland Ambulance Service officers were increasingly becoming the victims of assaults as well.
The Bulletin revealed there were 42 assaults on paramedics in Townsville in the nine months between July last year and March.
“This is becoming a very disturbing trend,” Chief Supt Guteridge said. “While the nature of the incidents varies, the fact that any of our emergency service responders are victims of assault is completely unacceptable and inexcusable. Every effort will be made to prosecute offenders.”