LAST December some 173 police officers were assaulted at work by members of the public in the West Midlands, according to official figures – with many more cases going unreported.
The news brought a sharp response from the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster who described the figures as “completely and utterly unacceptable”.
Officers, some of whom answer emergency 999 or 101 calls, were also the victims of abuse by angry members of the public.
It’s led the Commissioner to remind people of the important work police in the West Midlands do to keep us all safe, especially during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
“It is completely and utterly unacceptable that hard working police officers were assaulted last Christmas simply for doing their job,” said Mr Foster.
“We all know policing is a job with serious risks, but these numbers are too high.
“The vast majority of people value police officers and I’m sure they will also be concerned to learn what’s going on.
“Police officers confront danger, when most of us run from it and we never know when we, our family, friends and local community might need them.”
By March 2022, the PCC will have bought nearly 5,000 new state-of-the-art body worn cameras to help keep officers safe, gather evidence against offenders and to promote trust and confidence on the part of the public.
