Met Police Team Wins Top National Award for Protecting Officers from Assault
A dedicated Met Police squad battling abuse and assaults on officers has scooped a prestigious national award. Operation Hampshire, set up in 2016, supports thousands of officers facing physical attacks and hate crimes while on duty.
Assaults on Officers Soar – But Reporting Is Rising
Shockingly, at least 25 Met officers suffer abuse every day — from being punched and spat at to stabbed. Around a quarter of attacks feature hate abuse targeting race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
Many incidents go unreported as officers see abuse as “part of the job.” But since Operation Hampshire launched, reported assaults have increased, thanks to greater awareness that these crimes must be challenged.
Operation Hampshire Delivers Support and Justice
The team works tirelessly to provide welfare support to officers who report abuse, ensuring culprits are identified and prosecuted where possible.
On 5 July, the National Police Chiefs Council handed Operation Hampshire the Protecting the Workforce Award 2021, presented on behalf of national police wellbeing service Oscar Kilo.
Met Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe also praised the team with an Assistant Commissioner’s commendation on 9 July for their outstanding work.
“Every day police officers put on the uniform and put themselves in the line of fire to protect others yet they are attacked by some for doing so. Police officers are human beings with loved ones like anyone else, and like everyone, they deserve to be safe and supported,” said Inspector Stuart Kohring, who leads the team.
Serious Offenders Face Tough Justice
Police and prosecutors take assaults seriously. In the year to June 2021, there were 4,242 charges for assaulting on-duty Met officers, plus 977 charges for hate abuse offences against officers.
Deputy Commissioner Sir Stephen House provides impact statements to ensure offenders face appropriate sentences reflecting the gravity of their crimes.
National Rollout and Ongoing Support
Operation Hampshire’s success means the approach is now being rolled out across police forces nationwide, led by Met Chief Inspector Dave Brewster.
“Being a police officer can be challenging and dangerous, but support is there from day one to retirement,” said Inspector Kohring. “I’ve faced abuse myself, but there’s no other job that offers the same excitement and satisfaction.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor added:
“Abuse and violence is never acceptable. Officers should never have to face being attacked when they are simply trying to protect others, but when it does happen, perpetrators should be brought to justice.
The Met is extremely proud of Operation Hampshire’s achievements in raising awareness, ensuring offenders face court, and giving officers the support they deserve.”
