A Record 125 Cops Assaulted Every Day Last Year, Home Secretary Says

Yvette Cooper Vows to Restore Rule of Law

A record number of 125 police officers were assaulted on a daily basis last year, prompting Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to label the perpetrators as "thugs" who "must pay." Cooper described the figures as "a stain on our society" and emphasized the need to restore the rule of law in the face of escalating attacks on law enforcement.

Assault Figures on the Rise

Statistics show that a total of 45,907 assaults on police officers were reported in the 12 months leading up to March this year, with 11,479 resulting in injuries—a significant 75% increase compared to 2018 levels. Notably, these numbers do not include injuries sustained during the summer riots, where numerous officers faced violent attacks with bricks and bottles.

Call for Accountability and Action

Amid growing concerns over the safety and well-being of law enforcement, Cooper stressed the importance of holding those responsible for assaults on officers accountable. In addition to seeking justice, she expressed her commitment to deploying more officers on the streets to address the issue.

Restoring Trust and Respect

Cooper highlighted the urgent need to combat the culture of abuse towards police officers and reinstate respect for the rule of law. She emphasized the necessity of increasing police presence and rebuilding trust between law enforcement agencies and local communities to foster a safer environment for all.

Challenges Faced by the Police

The reputation of the police force has faced challenges in recent years, with incidents such as the mishandling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and the involvement of officers in heinous crimes tarnishing their image. A report suggested that former Home Secretary Suella Braverman's public criticism of the Metropolitan Police over a pro-Palestinian rally may have strained relations and called for a more discreet approach in such matters.