PFCC responds to increase of assaults on police officers

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “This increase of assaults on our police officers saddens me and we really must do more as a society to protect those who protect us. Everyday police officers walk towards danger to help the vulnerable with no thought for their own safety. I hope that all those officers know that most of the people of Essex really do appreciate what they do and are as sickened as me when they hear about these incidents. On behalf of those residents I would like to say thank you to every single person in Essex who works to keep the county safe and know that we support you. “In my next Police and Crime Plan I am proposing to do everything we can as a community so that police officers, staff and volunteers are supported and recognised for the contribution they make to keeping our county safe. I back the proposed Police Covenant, will be pushing to double the sentences for assaults on Emergency Service Workers and will be supporting and investing in health and wellbeing services, acknowledging the difficult and challenging situations that officers and staff may experience in the course of their duties. “Please be assured that I am standing beside our police officers, staff and volunteers on this – no one should be attacked and harmed when doing their jobs. It’s just not on.” Essex Police Response from Chief Constable BJ Harrington Express Story