An “alarming” number of assaults on police officers in Mid Scotland and Fife, in which officers were injured - totalling just under 900 in two years - has been condemned by Murdo Fraser MSP.
The Scottish Conservative politician was reacting to data supplied by Police Scotland to the Scottish Conservatives through Freedom of Information which reveals the shocking number of assaults by members of the public on police officers in the region from April 1, 2021, to September 30, 2023.
The statistics show that police officers in Mid Scotland and Fife were subjected to being bitten, being head-butted, kicked, punched, elbowed, spat on, pushed, scratched, sexually assaulted, being attacked by a person with an offensive weapon, a sharp or bladed weapon and even by some people using vehicles.
The breakdown of the data shows that Perth and Kinross had the highest number of assaults on police officers, in which officers were injured – 264 – during this period, with Kirkcaldy in Fife being the second worst, with 196 assaults. The total number of assaults by the public on police in Mid Scotland and Fife numbered 894.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “I find these figures for assaults on police officers to be very alarming and concerning. To have almost 900 assaults on officers in just over two years is truly shocking and must be addressed. The police, like all our emergency services, provide a vital role for all of us and they should not be subjected to being assaulted by the public as they go about their job.
“The data also shows that these assaults took place right across Mid Scotland and Fife.”
Mr Fraser continued: “The statistics show a complete lack of respect for our police officers from some people and I find it very concerning that some choose to assault officers while they are in the line of duty. This seems to be part of a worrying trend of emergency service workers being assaulted by the public and those caught doing so must face the full force of the law.”
