THE chief constable of Gwent Police has condemned assaults on officers in the line of duty, as a national protection campaign is launched.

Figures suggest that assaults on officers occur every four minutes across the country, and although physical or verbal assaults on the police are common, many go unreported.

This week the Police Federation of England and Wales launched the campaign ‘Protect The Protectors’, which calls for changes in legislation; tougher sentencing; better training and access to equipment; more accurate data on police assaults; and improved welfare support.

Supporting the campaign, Jeff Farrar said: “Whilst violence against officers is becoming more common place, this is not something that should ever be tolerated.

“Police officers have a difficult enough job and many of my staff comment on the aggression they face when they are just trying to do their jobs.”

“I know we enjoy the support of the vast majority of the people in Gwent, and I think they would agree that this behaviour is unacceptable,” he added.

The chief constable’s comments are supported by the account of a female Gwent Police officer, who wished to remain anonymous, following an attack on her by a known offender.

She said of the ordeal: “Because I knew him, I knew he wouldn’t stop.

“He started punching, but not really trying to connect. I reached for my spray, but the next thing I was hit from behind.”

She fell to the ground, unconscious, and was found by a colleague in a ditch, where it is presumed she had been dragged and dumped.

The officer was treated for bruises and swelling and missed six days of work.

The offenders were charged with assaulting an officer but then granted bail, to the disappointment of the PC.

She added: “When someone is taken to court for assaulting a police officer it seems to be seen as a lesser assault than that of anyone else."

Chief Constable Sara Thornton CBE QPM, chair of the National Police Chief’s Council, said: “As chief constables, we have a responsibility to make sure officers are properly equipped for protection.

“But we also have a responsibility to make sure that, if they are assaulted, they get the right support from their force.”