Kent Police Boss Vows to Protect Officers After Surge in Attacks
Kent Police Chief Constable Alan Pughsley hosted a high-profile national event to ramp up efforts on officer and staff safety. The conference, held at Kent Police College in Maidstone, gathered leaders from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing on 2 September 2020.
28-Point Plan to Tackle Rising Violence Against Officers
Pughsley, the NPCC Lead for Officer Safety, spearheaded a comprehensive review following alarming increases in violence targeting police on patrol. The investigation led to 28 new safety recommendations, now endorsed by chiefs across England and Wales.
- New national curriculum for officer safety training
- Trials of cutting-edge protective technology
- Improved policies addressing deaths during commutes or on duty
Chief Constable: Assaults ‘Unacceptable and Rising Rapidly’
“It is never acceptable for anyone to be assaulted or harmed just for turning up to do their job,” said Chief Constable Pughsley. “We’re concerned by the rising numbers of assaults against officers and staff and have worked to make sure this review can quickly deliver improvements for them.”
“Sadly, many officers face daily threats of violence. Even when no physical injuries occur, the mental toll can be severe.”
Work Underway Despite Pandemic
The review also highlighted a shocking number of on-duty and commuting deaths, prompting immediate action. With backing from government, police chiefs, and staff associations, implementation has already started — even amid the Covid-19 crisis.
Pughsley added, “We’ve involved over 40,000 officers and staff to shape these reforms. We plan to repeat the national safety survey and engage frontline workers through regional groups to ensure their voices continue to influence change.”
