Enough is enough. We must protect our off icers

THE tragic death of PC Andrew Harper has devastated the police family to its core. While it is too early to draw any conclusion regarding this horrendous incident, it comes amid a growing climate of attacks on officers.

There has been a great deal of debate over the past few weeks about the risks officers face. The latest official statistics reveal that 85 officers are assaulted every day across England and Wales – but we believe this represents just the tip of the iceberg.

Look at social media and you will get a sense of what my members are facing. Bitten, headbutted, kicked, stamped on, spat at, and worse – just for doing their job. I’m repeatedly shocked by the leniency of the sentences handed out to those who act this way.

Many walk out of court smirking with a slap on the wrist, while my colleagues have to live with the consequences of their actions and the mental toll it takes. Years of austerity measures and palpable disdain from our previous Prime Minister towards policing have taken their toll.

There simply are not enough officers to keep themselves and our communities safe. Single crewing – which puts officers and the public at risk – and restricting the use of Tasers because of cost implications... how can balancing a spreadsheet be more important than keeping people safe?

Our new Prime Minister has made some bold promises. I welcome that – but we need details, and we need to know how these reforms will be funded.

Society must now say enough is enough and do all that can be done to protect our protectors.