North-east police officers endure numerous assaults annually, prompting calls for tougher penalties against offenders
Aberdeen: It’s shocking to hear that hundreds of police officers in the north-east are attacked every year. We’re talking about being stabbed, slashed, bitten, and even spat on while they’re just doing their jobs.
Injuries range from stab wounds to bites and burns. Just last year, there were 446 recorded assaults on officers in the North East Division. The numbers have been pretty high for a while now, with 472 in 2023 and 488 in 2022.
Liam Kerr, the shadow justice secretary and MSP for the area, is really pushing for tougher penalties. He wants to see the maximum prison sentence for anyone who assaults emergency staff doubled. He called the statistics “sickening” and emphasized that these attacks are unacceptable.
He pointed out that many of these assaults happen while officers are trying to help people. It’s frustrating to think that the current laws might let some offenders slip through the cracks.
Kerr believes that police officers deserve better protection, especially since they often lack the resources they need. He’s advocating for body-worn cameras to help keep them safe while they’re on duty.
In response, a Scottish Government spokesperson condemned the attacks, stating that the courts have the power to deal with these crimes seriously. They also mentioned that they’re investing heavily in police funding, which includes implementing body-worn video for officers.
With plans to recruit more officers than in recent years, they’re aiming for a safer community. It’s a tough job, and these officers deserve all the support they can get.
