Level of attacks on police is 'unacceptable'

Chief Constable Nick Dean said policing had changed over his 30-year career

A chief constable has said that between one and two police officers a day were being assaulted as they carried out their duties working for his service.

Chief Constable Nick Dean, the head of the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said his officers were regularly abused and spat on.

Mr Dean has been awarded the King’s Policing Medal (KPM), as part of the King’s Birthday Honours, following more than 30 years of service.

He said working in front-line services has changed over the course of his career, and police officers now face "unacceptable" levels of assaults.

Mr Dean joined Norfolk Constabulary in 1992, where he first served in uniformed roles including working on patrol and in custody suites. Speaking after being awarded the KPM, he said that he has noticed a difference for officers now.

"The officers that are joining today are doing a very tricky job. I don't think it is a reflection of society in one sense, but I have to say that attacks on one or two officers a day is unacceptable," he said.

• Peterborough officers say attacks on police are increasing

PC Zakai Wolffe previously told the BBC he had been racially abused, punched and kicked while on duty

Mr Dean said it was important for the public to realise how challenging policing is for officers.

"Over the last two weeks we have had a number of officers that have tried to deal with people and help, and they have been spat on - a really disgusting habit that can be worse for an officer.

"Back in the day, in 1992, that didn't happen. You got into scrapes and a few confrontations but there was nothing like that. That sort of respect for officers in 1992, that has been lost by some of the public today. That's a shame."

Cambridgeshire Constabulary figures show that in the last 12 months to the end of May, there have been 577 assaults on officers and 56 of those resulted in injuries.

Despite the figures, Mr Dean said the service did not have a problem recruiting officers in Cambridgeshire, with high-quality people joining the force. He added the public was largely supportive of those officers.

"The vast majority of people in this county, especially this county, really support the police. We're really grateful for the support the public provide on a daily basis.

"The actual support the public gives you is fantastic."