140 attacks on police in three months across Staffordshire
Attacks on police hit 140 in just three months with officers being bitten, cut and spat on while responding to calls in Staffordshire.
Dozens of Staffordshire Police officers were injured on the front line between April and June of this year.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis has now said he will do ‘whatever necessary’ to protect police officers in harm’s way.
Mr Ellis also encouraged officers to use new spit hoods on suspects when needed, which were introduced earlier this year in the county.
He said: “It is absolutely up to me and the chief constable to provide money to ensure that officers are protected when doing their job.
“The police do a difficult job, if people comply with their lawful requests then there should be no violence or any issues at all. I encourage officers use spits guards to protect themselves since we introduced them which they’ve done.”
“I will ensure that whatever is necessary to protect police officers is done.
“We’ve looked at these figures and the force are looking to ensure officers are trained to avoid conflict.”
It comes as part of the police’s requirement to publish statistics detailing the number of times officers have used force themselves.
Figures show from 42,641 policing incidents officers were required to use force on 1,345 occasions – a percentage of 3.1 per cent.
Mr Ellis said: “Officers do an incredibly difficult job that most people, including me, couldn’t do. The use of force is sometimes necessary, but it has to be proportionate.”
Use of force tactics range from low-level tactical verbal communications and compliant handcuffing to the use of irritant spray, baton, tasers and firearms.
