Western Daily Press (Saturday)
ASSAULTED, ABUSED AND VILIFIED
A POLICEMAN’S LOT:
THE distressing scenes in Bristol last weekend will have shocked most decent and lawabiding members of the public and clearly illustrated the impossible task my colleagues face when dealing with such incidents.
More than 20 police officers were injured and assaulted – two of them seriously – during the disorder. A number of those injuries came as a result of safeguarding Bridewell Police Station as it was attacked by a mob intent on violence and criminal damage.
Approximately 3,000 people attended the Kill the Bill event on Sunday protesting against government plans to increase police powers to deal with non-violent demonstrations. While an unlawful gathering, it was nevertheless peaceful.
What we witnessed in the evening was not a protest, it was a coordinated attack on police officers with the intention of causing injury and harm to the very men and women in uniform who keep society safe.
I would like to place on record my thanks to the vast majority of the public who understand the difficult job that police officers do, and those who appreciate the challenges involved in dealing with incidents like this during a worldwide pandemic.
The investigation into these traumatic events is likely to be one of the largest in Avon and Somerset Police’s history.
More than 100 officers and staff are working on the inquiry to identify the instigators.
We witnessed individuals attempting to set fire to a police van with officers still inside. This wilful act of violence could have resulted in the officers in the van being seriously injured or killed. Truly horrific scenes.
The following day we faced allegations via social media that forces deliberately made police vans available so they could be set on fire as a tactic, to get sympathy in the media. This would be funny if it was not such a serious suggestion and is yet another example of the unfounded claims we face on an almost daily basis.
Two nights later, hundreds of people ignored the current ban on gatherings to hold a protest in the city centre. Fourteen were arrested.
What police officers have experienced in the last 12 months is unprecedented. Who would have thought we would be asked to enforce the wearing of face masks, or preventing groups from gathering or even stopping people from socialising in their homes with friends? This is as alien to my colleagues as it is to anyone.
To those armchair critics who comment from the sidelines, please try to give consideration to the realities of policing a violent incident. My colleagues do not have the benefit of hindsight when dealing with fast-moving, dangerous and violent disorder.
Police officers have been abused, assaulted and vilified far too often. It is a no-win situation for officers who are simply doing their best under the current, ever-changing rules. I can say with pride that those colleagues will still continue to be the first to arrive whenever these critics call us for help.
Ultimately it is for the politicians to decide legislation and guidance and not my colleagues. We only ask for clarity. Not just for our officers on the front line, but for the public too. MPs can help us by making sure the legislation in place is practical to enforce and maintains the principles of policing by consent.
Police officers are facing the brunt of public anger and frustration, but violence against my colleagues is completely unacceptable and it must stop.
It has been an incredibly difficult and demanding month for my colleagues across the country, but we are grateful for the understanding and support of the vast majority of the British public.
■ Police and crime commissioner candidates’ line-up – P30&31