Eleven Kent Cops Attacked Over One Brutal Weekend
Eleven Kent Police officers faced shocking assaults while answering emergency calls last weekend. From Friday, 28 June to Sunday, 30 June 2019, officers were spat at, kicked, punched, pushed, and threatened with violence.
Hospital Visits and Arrests Under New Law
One officer ended up in hospital after hitting his head while trying to restrain a suspect. Each attacker was arrested under the new Assaults on Emergency Workers Act 2018, which came into force in November 2018. It imposes tougher sentences for assaulting police, paramedics, nurses, and other blue light workers.
Since the Act’s introduction, Kent Police has charged 435 people under the law.
“Our officers are exposed to unpredictable, volatile situations every day,” said Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker.
“But abuse and violence won’t be accepted or tolerated. Officers deserve to carry out their duties without being assaulted.”
More Tasers Rolled Out to Protect Officers
To boost officer safety, Kent is ramping up Taser training. Officers regularly dealing with violent incidents can now opt into a rigorous training course to carry the less-than-lethal weapon.
There were 334 Taser-trained officers in Kent at the end of 2018. That number is expected to soar to between 1,000 and 1,500 soon.
Weekend Assaults in Detail
- Friday, 28 June: North Kent Police Station – Officer suffered a laceration after being assaulted.
- Sunday, 30 June:
- North District – Officer kicked while responding to a domestic abuse call.
- Medway District – Officer kicked by a drunk and disorderly suspect.
Kent Police are sending a firm warning: attacks on emergency workers will lead to serious charges. The message is clear – abuse is NOT part of the job.
