Over the past five years assaults on police officers and staff have increased by over 22%. Between April and June 2020, there have been 1,775 reported assaults on officers and staff, that’s around 20 a day.
Police officers and staff are here to keep you and your community safe. Abuse, assault, violence and injury are not part of the job.
Aggressive or threatening behaviour or verbal abuse towards Police Scotland officers and staff is an offence and may result in your arrest.
As you make plans to celebrate over this very different festive season, Police Scotland are reminding everyone to remember to look after their own safety and respect the safety of others, including police officers whose job is to help keep people safe, not to take abuse.
Police Scotland Chief Constable, Iain Livingstone had underlined his commitment to tackling assaults on police officers and staff with a new pledge to support their safety and welfare: “At times of crisis, chaos and criticality, the Police Service of Scotland brings order, discipline and compassion.
“It is, then, disgraceful and deplorable when officers and staff are subjected to violence during the course of their duties.
“I have enormous concern about assaults and attacks on police officers and staff. I utterly reject any suggestion or view that they come with the job.
“I am clear that it is the strong bond of trust and confidence forged between policing and our fellow citizens from which we obtain our authority and your police service will always value that relationship.
“I’m grateful for the overwhelming support for policing from members of the public in recent weeks and months and I require that support and co-operation to continue as we work together to maintain and build our peaceful and respectful way of life.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
