PCCs calls for public to get Behind The Badge following incidents in Worcestershire

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has released a statement after three police officers were assaulted in separate incidents in Worcestershire overnight on Tuesday (11/12 July).

A police constable was bitten at Worcester Police Station after arresting a 26-year-old man from Worcester on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in Foregate Street. The officer attended hospital for treatment.

A second police constable is alleged to have been stamped on while arresting a man following an incident at The Cross, Worcester.

Additionally, a third police constable was spat at in Worcester Police Station after a 33-year-old woman from Kidderminster was arrested on suspicion of assault. The two men have been charged in connection with the incidents in Worcester, whilst the woman was arrested and has been released under investigation following the incident in Kidderminster.

PCC John Campion said “ These incidents in Worcester exemplify the fact that more needs to be done to tackle violence against police. These hard working and professional officers, are still ordinary people, with ordinary lives, who should not have to face violence- biting, stamping and spitting, whilst keeping our communities safe.

I am confident that West Mercia Police is committed to protecting officers and staff, and I have recently signed off a £1million investment in body worn video, which will help provide clear evidence when assaults do occur.

The vast majority of our communities are very supportive of the difficult work our officers do, but there is still a minority of people who need to realise that attacking a police officer is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated. As part of my ongoing campaign, I am calling for the public to see the person Behind The Badge, to change perceptions and behaviours. I will continue to make this a priority as part of my promise to deliver a safer, more secure West Mercia. We must do all we can to protect those who protect us.”

Superintendent Kevin Purcell, Policing Commander for South Worcestershire said: “Every incident of a police officer being assaulted is one too many.

“Officers going about their everyday work should not be subjected to violence and it is completely unacceptable.

“We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and will send a clear message to anyone who thinks it is acceptable to assault an officer who is simply going about their duty and keeping our communities safe from harm.”

 Issued: Thursday 13th July 2017