Derbyshire Police warns violence against officers must not be seen as ‘part of the job’
More than 1,000 assaults on police staff were recorded last year, as the force highlights the impact of violence on officers and the importance of supporting them
Derbyshire Police has warned that violence against officers should never be seen as simply part of the job, following two recent assaults on officers while on duty.
The force recorded more than 1,000 assaults on staff last year, highlighting the risks officers face while working to keep the public safe.
Derbyshire Police says an increase in recorded assaults does not necessarily mean violence itself is rising. Incidents that may once have been dismissed as a routine part of policing are now being recorded more accurately, helping the force build a clearer picture of the problem.
We're told being assaulted can have consequences beyond physical injuries, with officers' confidence also affected by their experiences.
The force has relaunched Operation Hampshire, an initiative aimed at improving training and support for officers and police staff who experience violence at work. It hopes to ensure those affected receive help tailored to their needs, allowing them to recover and return to their roles with confidence.
Inspector Aaron Shaw, Derbyshire Constabulary's lead for the initiative, says people who disagree with police decisions should use the proper legal process rather than resort to violence.
He also warned that body-worn cameras and CCTV can provide evidence to support prosecutions against those responsible for assaults.
The Government has reiterated that violence against emergency workers will not be tolerated. Those convicted of assaulting an emergency worker can face up to two years in prison, with longer sentences possible for more serious offences.
The county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts praised the officers’ courage and efforts to tackle crime.
She said: “An assault on a police officer should never be dismissed as ‘part of the job’. These are the people we rely on to protect us, prevent crime and keep our communities safe.
“Every day, while most of us instinctively move away from danger, police officers run towards it on our behalf.
“These incidents are a stark reminder of the risks police officers face every single shift. When they leave home for work, they cannot know what dangers, challenges or violence they may confront. Policing is an extraordinary profession that demands courage, commitment and sacrifice.
“Those who wear the uniform deserve our respect, not violence