Assaults on Gwent police officers at three-year high
More than 1,600 officers from Gwent Police have been injured while on duty over the past three years, according to new data.
The number of injuries has increased yearly, with assaults now consisting of 77 per cent of all injuries.
The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) representing police officers has stated that these continuous assaults are pushing forces "to breaking point."
Data obtained by Accident at Work Claim UK through freedom of information requests indicate that 1,650 Gwent police officers were injured while working between 2022 and 2024.
Of this total, injuries resulting from assault made up 1,272, with other types of injuries accounting for 378.
Other causes of injuries can include handling, lifting or carrying, injuries by animals, contact with moving vehicles, and exposure to harmful substances.
The year 2024 recorded a total of 773 police officer injuries, a shocking rise of 168 per cent compared to the 288 injuries reported in 2022.
Assault injuries have also shown a steep increase, rising 156 per cent from 234 in 2022 to 599 in 2024.
These alarming figures have sparked renewed calls for improved workplace safety measures and support services.
Earlier this month, the PFEW launched the 'Copped Enough Campaign', a national effort to advocate for fair pay, safe working conditions, and respect for police officers.
A PFEW spokesperson highlighted the urgent need for this campaign.
The PFEW spokesperson said: "Thirty-two officers are violently assaulted every day—and the numbers are rising.
"The police officers who protect communities are being pushed to breaking point.
"Enough is enough."
Recent incidents of assault on police and prison officers have amplified national concern about the safety of frontline officers.
Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi supposedly threw hot cooking oil over officers at HMP Franklin in County Durham on April 5, according to the Prison Officers' Association (POA).
On May 8, convicted Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana allegedly heated water in his cell at HMP Belmarsh and subsequently threw it at an officer.
Solicitor Bev Faulkner, speaking to Accident at Work Claim UK, mentioned that it is possible for officers to bring compensation claims if employer negligence results in an accident and injuries.
She said: "The Police Force cannot sack you, discipline you for bringing a claim against them, prevent you from being promoted or demote you."
Accident at Work Claim UK provides a 24-hour helpline and live chat service for police officers and staff who have suffered an injury at work.
Chief Constable Mark Hobrough of Gwent Police made it clear that such assaults are "completely unacceptable".
Chief Constable Hobrough said: "Nobody expects to be assaulted while carrying out their job, and that applies to police officers, all members of the emergency services, health workers, and prison staff too.
"These assaults are completely unacceptable but all too often I see the devastating impact these attacks have on my colleagues.
"Our officers are more than their uniform—they are members of our community, they are parents, siblings, and friends, who love and are loved."
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