Call for immediate action over police safety review

Police chiefs should take immediate action over a major officer safety review to avoid it becoming "just another door stop", a federation leader has said.

A wide range of recommendations were included in a landmark report published this week by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

They cover areas including use of Taser, road safety, corrosive substance attacks, protective equipment, spitting and biting, and how assaults are dealt with in the criminal justice system.

The NPCC wants a new offence of targeting police officers with a vehicle, and spiting and hate crimes to be considered as aggravating factors when suspects are brought to court.

Vice chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales Che Donald welcomed the report but stressed he wants to "see its findings make a real difference".

The review was commissioned by head of the NPCC Martin Hewitt following a spate of serious attacks on police officers.

More than 40,000 officers and staff took part with 88 per cent saying they had been assaulted during their career, with 39 per cent having been attacked in the past year.

Mr Hewitt said: "The review and the breadth of its recommendations show there is no one piece of equipment that is the answer to all violent and threatening situations. Instead, chief constables have agreed a broad package o f measure s that will significantly enhance the safety of our brave and hardworking front line."

Figures suggest attacks on police are on the rise, fuelled by coughing and spitting inc id e nt s re l ate d to C OV I D, unrest at protests and illegal raves.