Police boss’s anger at ‘evil’ PC assaults
Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner has branded criminals who assault police “evil” – as it emerges the number of attacks on officers has reached a threeyear high.
Matthew Scott wants harsher sentences for yobs who assault emergency workers amid a rise in staff being punched, kicked, stabbed and spat at.
Figures show 878 officers have been injured while on duty in Kent in the past three years – an increase from 238 in 2014/15, to 272 in 2015/16 and 368 last year.
The Freedom of Information response reveals the number of officers bitten rose by 10 in the space of a year, with 18 incidents reported in 2015/16 compared to 28 the following year.
The number kicked also went up from 32 in 2015/16 to 80 in 2016/ 17, while knife attacks dropped from four to three in the same period.
Mr Scott said: “What we’re seeing is more people who are thinking it’s acceptable to assault a police officer.
“Myself and the Chief Constable are working together to invest in training to help officers protect themselves from these evil individuals.
“We’ve invested in body cameras and we’re increasing our capability for tazers and have reintroduced spit hoods and spit guards.
“I think it’s absolutely unacceptable anyone could think of assaulting a police officer.”
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Brandon said: “Assaults on Kent Police officers who are going about their duties to protect and serve their communities will not be tolerated.
“Every day our officers are required to attend unpredictable and challenging circumstances. Our front line officers and staff are regularly exposed to volatile