30 assaults on police officers since the start of this month

There have been 30 assaults on police officers who help to keep the public safe since the start of this month.

In the last few days alone we have seen officers being punched, kicked, and bitten, with one officer having been spat at in the face. In some cases, the unacceptable attacks have resulted in significant injury.

Assaults should never be considered simply ‘part of the job’.

In all cases, we will seek to prosecute those responsible for attacking our staff or any other emergency worker who dedicates their time to protecting, serving and helping the public. So far, 27 people have been arrested in connection with the assaults, and investigations into the incidents continue.

We are asking everyone to think about how their behaviour might be impacted by alcohol or other tensions over the Christmas period, and behave in a way that they would expect of others.

Chief Superintendent Jon McAdam said: “Our officers know that when they put on their uniform that they will be placed in high-risk situations; that is part of their job, and they do it willingly every day to protect people from harm.  Although Police Officers are highly professional and committed individuals, they don’t sign up to be assaulted. Being assaulted is absolutely not part of the job.  Unfortunately, we have seen a number of officers subjected to violence or other forms of hostility within Lincolnshire from a minority of people, particularly over the past month.  As we move through the Christmas and New Year period this appears more prevalent and I would urge people to drink and  behave responsibly, and allow our officers to do their jobs. At Lincolnshire Police we take these assaults extremely seriously, and we will look to prosecute those who carry out these attacks.  It’s vital that we protect the protectors.”

This December marks two years since the Force announced new, robust measures to investigate assaults on officers, combined with an enhanced welfare package. Developed with the Lincolnshire Police Federation, the process includes working with the Crown Prosecution Service to press for an increased number of successful prosecutions, while support is available from immediately after the attack through to the completion of the court process and beyond