North-east Police Assault Figures Deemed ‘Sickening’ by MSP
New statistics reveal alarming rates of assaults on police in the North East, prompting calls for tougher penalties from local officials.
North East, Police, Assault, Liam Kerr, Scotland
Aberdeen: It’s pretty shocking to hear that hundreds of police officers in the North East are getting assaulted every year. We’re talking about everything from being stabbed to bitten and even spat on while they’re just doing their jobs.
Liam Kerr, the Shadow Justice Secretary and MSP for the area, is really pushing for change. He wants the maximum prison sentence for anyone who attacks emergency workers to be doubled. And honestly, with over 400 attacks reported each year, it seems like a necessary step.
These injuries are no joke—officers are facing stab wounds, bites, and even burns. Just this year, there were 446 assaults recorded on police in the North East Division. That’s a slight drop from 472 in 2023 and 488 in 2022, but still way too high.
Kerr called the situation “sickening,” and he’s not holding back. He pointed out that the current laws are letting offenders slip through the cracks, especially with the SNP’s approach to short-term prison sentences.
He emphasized that police officers are already stretched thin and don’t deserve to be attacked while trying to help others. It’s crucial that these offenders face serious consequences, and he believes doubling the maximum sentence is a step in the right direction.
Plus, he mentioned that it’s vital for the Scottish Government to ensure police have the right tools, like body-worn cameras, to protect themselves while on duty. It’s about time we give our emergency workers the respect and protection they deserve.