Hundreds of attacks on police in Bedfordshire during Covid-19 pandemic

In September, the government announced plans to double the maximum jail term for criminals who assault emergency workers to two years
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Police in Bedfordshire have been attacked hundreds of times during the Covid-19 pandemic, figures show.

The Police Federation of England and Wales say the attacks show "we are living in a more violent society which needs to take a long hard look at itself", adding that those caught should be sent to prison.

Bedfordshire Police recorded 291 attacks on officers from February to November last year.

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Police

That was up from the 282 reported during the same period in 2019.

The highest number was recorded in August when there were 42.

As officers face this additional challenge in policing, they are also coping with coronavirus – Bedfordshire Police data shows there had been 24 positive Covid-19 tests on police officers up to the beginning of December.

Bedfordshire Police's Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: “Our officers do an extraordinary job on a daily basis, making a difference to our communities, and it is totally unacceptable that any officer is assaulted while carrying out their role.

“We have an enhanced duty of care in place for our colleagues and will not tolerate any assault on our workforce. We need to ensure they are as safe as possible when carry out their duties, and we are committed to giving them the support they need and following through with the consequences for those who assault emergency service workers.

“In accordance with Maggie’s Law, named after the daughter of officer Jon Henry, who was killed in the line of duty in 2007, every officer who suffers an assault is personally contacted by a member of the Force Executive, and in every case, a Chief Officer statement is provided to the court in support of that officer, urging a firm stance is taken with anyone who assaults police personnel.

“This is particularly pertinent in policing coronavirus regulations, as officers are literally putting their lives at risk, interacting with members of the public, and encouraging people to adhere to the rules which are there for their own safety.”

National chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, John Apter, said the attacks on police officers during the pandemic was "a serious issue for us all".

He said: “Those who attack emergency workers have a complete lack of respect for anything or anybody. Without doubt, we are living in a more violent society which needs to take a long hard look at itself."

He added: "We need officers to have the very best protection, and there must be a strong deterrent – that deterrent should be time in prison, no ifs, no buts.

"Time and time again we see officers who have been badly assaulted, and they see their attacker being let off with little more than just a slap on the wrist.

"This is offensive and fails to give that deterrent which is so desperately needed."

There was also one attack on police officers which included coughing, spitting or biting in Bedfordshire from February to November last year. This compared to four in the same period in 2019.

In September, the government announced plans to double the maximum jail term for criminals who assault emergency workers to two years.

Two years before a previous law change doubled the maximum term from six months to 12 in England and Wales.

Firefighters, prison officers and NHS staff are also classed as emergency workers.

Policing minister Kit Malthouse said: "Our brave police officers go to work every day to protect the public and being attacked should never be part of the job.

“Anyone who commits these despicable assaults should expect to face the full force of the law, which is why we are doubling the maximum sentence for those who assault emergency workers.

“This year, as well as continuing to recruit 20,000 additional police officers, we will enshrine a police covenant in law to provide better support for our selfless officers, staff, and their families - one of the key areas will be on the physical protection of officers.”