UK’s Top Policeman: Police Officers Injured Every Week as Public Trust Drops

Sir Mark Rowley, the head of the UK police force, has revealed that about two police officers get seriously hurt every week. He shared his concerns about the growing criticism and lack of trust in the police. Every day, around 18 officers face assaults, including being hit, bitten, or verbally abused, while the government’s support has been lacking.

The strain on the Police Force

Sir Mark says the police are under “unprecedented pressure” caused by issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and criminals using new technology. He believes this has led to the police force being “stretched dangerously thin.” He also mentioned the decline in public trust in the police, which adds to the strain.

Lack of Government Attention

The police commissioner pointed out that other public services, like healthcare and the military, receive much more attention and funding than the police. Over the past 15 years, there have been several reviews of defense and healthcare, but none focused on improving policing or public safety.

Sir Mark, who has been in his role for two years, criticized the government for not investing in the police force’s technology, training, or leadership. He mentioned that cuts to funding have left them with fewer resources, forcing them to stretch their budgets even further.

Frontline Officers Bearing the Brunt

The frontline officers risking their lives daily are the hardest hit by this neglect. “About 18 officers are assaulted every day, and two of them end up with serious injuries,” Sir Mark explained in a speech. He referred to an incident where two officers were attacked with a sword in Hainault earlier this year.

Sir Mark also expressed frustration with how society treats police officers, often responding to their efforts with insults. He noted how police officers are called names like “useless” or “biased” during protests and how this constant criticism puts them at greater risk by encouraging criminals to act out.

A Call for Change

He emphasized that the mistreatment of police officers is unacceptable, and the silence from those in power only makes things worse. He urged the public and politicians to stop hurling accusations at the police, which only puts them in more danger.

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