A report stating that an average of 115 police officers and staff are assaulted every single day has prompted a stark warning from branch chair Phil Walker, who says the scale of violence facing the workforce ‘should concern everyone’.
Responding to findings highlighted in the latest Police Covenant report, Phil said the figures expose a harsh reality for those serving on the frontline – one that carries both physical danger and lasting emotional consequences.
“Behind every statistic is a person who came to work simply to protect their community,” Phil said, adding: “Instead, they are facing abuse and violence as part of their daily duties.
“That is not something we should ever accept as ‘part of the job’.”
Branch chair Phil Walker
He emphasised that the effects of assaults stretch far beyond the moment of attack.
“An officer doesn’t experience violence in isolation,” Phil continued. “They go home to families who worry about their safety. Partners, parents and children feel the impact too. The toll can be physical, psychological and long-term.”
Phil said meaningful change must include a closer look at how offenders are dealt with by the courts.
Police assaults
He said: “We have legislation in place, but it must be used properly. When individuals assault emergency workers, there must be consequences that reflect the seriousness of that decision. If sentences are weak, the message sent to offenders is weak.”
The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 increased the maximum sentence for such offences to two years’ imprisonment. Phil said consistent and robust sentencing is essential to reinforce the protection the law intends to provide.
The Police Covenant, introduced in 2022, formalised the Government’s commitment to recognising the service and sacrifice of police officers, staff and their families across England and Wales. Its focus includes health and wellbeing, safety and family support, bringing together national policing organisations to drive improvements.
Phil welcomed the Covenant’s renewed focus on assaults, describing it as ‘a necessary acknowledgement of what our workforce is facing’.
“Recognition at a national level matters,” he said. “But recognition must lead to action – better prevention, better support and a clear message that violence against police personnel will not be tolerated.”
Prevention
Work to address the issue continues through Operation Hampshire, which requires forces to take senior-level responsibility for tackling assaults, implement a structured prevention plan, and improve data collection to build a clearer picture of risk.
New reporting tools, including the Police Assaults & Injuries Reporting App, are helping officers record incidents more efficiently, giving forces stronger insight into patterns and enabling faster support for those affected. At the same time, HMICFRS inspections now scrutinise how effectively forces respond to assaults and care for victims.
Phil concluded: “Our officers and staff show up every day to keep the public safe.
“The very least they deserve is to know that their safety is being taken just as seriously. Accurate data, firm sentencing and visible support are not optional – they are essential.
“We must ensure that violence against our workforce is met with zero tolerance and decisive action.”
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