POLICE safety training will be overhauled in Cheshire to boost the safety of officers and staff, following a national review.

The move comes as 637 assaults on police officers, with or without injury, have taken place in Cheshire over the past 12 months – the equivalent of more than 50 a month.

More than 40,000 police officers and staff across the country completed a survey from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing earlier this year.

It led to 28 recommendations being made on how to improve safety, and Cheshire Police says it is launching an action plan to take on board the findings.

Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “Any attack on a police officer is shocking but recent incidents across the country serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that they face on a daily basis.

“As Chief Constable of Cheshire the safety of my officers is of paramount importance and I am committed to doing all I can to ensure that they are properly trained and equipped with the tools that they need to do their job effectively.

“That is why the force is supporting this national review, commissioned by the National Police Chiefs’ Council. It will complement the work that we already carry out to asses and mitigate the threats and risk our officers face."

Cheshire Police has also carried out its own review on officer safety and a senior officer has been allocated to lead the changes needed at the force.

The action plan includes a focus on training and wellbeing support, equipment and operational response, criminal justice outcomes and roads policing and officer safety.

Chf Con Martland added: “The impact of an assault on an officer should not be underestimated – not only does this have an effect on their physical and mental wellbeing it also potentially takes an officer off the streets for a period of time putting added pressure on others to uphold the level of service we strive to provide to the communities of Cheshire.

Knutsford Guardian:

From left: PCC David Keane and Chf Con Darren Martland

“I am committed to ensuring that as a force we are doing everything we can to reduce the risk to our officers.

"However, in cases where an officer is assaulted on duty we will make sure they receive all the necessary support from the Constabulary and, where appropriate, action is taken against offenders and they are brought to justice.

“It is important to remember that attacking an emergency services worker is a criminal offence and can result in a jail sentence.”

Recommendations from the review include a 'hardline' approach to investigations into officer assaults – with arrest of an offender the default position.

They also include an improved process of deployment, a review on whether officers have the equipment they need and an investigation into racial disparities in the use of taser.

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, added: “I am supportive of these changes which will provide more protection for police officers and police staff.

“No officer or PCSO should go to work expecting to be attacked but, sadly, this is becoming an increasingly regular occurrence.

"Individuals working on the frontline put themselves at risk every day to protect Cheshire residents, therefore it’s vital they are provided with the right training and appropriate equipment to allow them to carry out their roles safely.

“In my role to monitor the performance of Cheshire Constabulary on behalf of Cheshire residents, I will ensure these changes are providing the best protection for our officers and staff.”