Alarming rise in SA police assaulted
The number of SA Police officers assaulted while on duty has risen for the eleventh consecutive month, latest crime statistics reveal.
SA Police officers assaulted while on duty during July have increased by 30 per cent new data has revealed.
The number of incidents increased to 808, up from 622 reported incidents from the previous month, marking the eleventh successive rise in offending.
Acting Assistant Commissioner David O’Donovan said the increase in incidents highlighted the increasing dangers that confront police officers daily.
“It is unacceptable, this figure has been increasingly steadily since September last year and we are working to examine and understand the cause of that increase,’’ O’Donovan said.
“Police do not expect to be assaulted when they are at work, but unfortunately for many this is a reality. Just like everyone else, police officers have the right to return home safely to their family at the end of every shift.
“Offenders should be aware there are significant penalties – including prison sentences – in place for anyone convicted of this type of offending.’’
O’Donovan said factors including alcohol, drug use and mental health conditions had played a significant role in the increase.
“While the vast majority of community interactions are positive, even a single assault on an officer is one too many,’’ he said.
“It is a reasonable expectation from both police and the community that the strong legal protections available to the judiciary are used to send a very clear message that violence against emergency service workers is unacceptable.’’
It follows an announcement earlier this week of an agreement in principle from the Police Association of SA to a new Enterprise Bargaining offer from the state government.
Should staff back a ballot which is set to be held in the coming weeks, SAPOL officers would receive a total 16 per cent pay increase over four years.
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The latest data also outlined a decline in homicide, robberies and theft reports, however motor vehicle theft increased by two per cent – or 249 offences – from 11,148 to 11,397 incidents reported.
Reports of murder decreased by 27 per cent from 11 to eight reported incidents, while attempted murders decreased from 24 to 17 offences.
Sexual offences reports had its fourth successive decrease, however aggravated sexual assault remained almost static with 1,612 offences reported.
Child procurement or grooming dropped from 92 to 39 reported incidents.
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