Spike in violent attacks on police in SA
FIRST ON 7: New crime figures show a spike in serious assaults on police in South Australia, with officers being glassed, punched, kicked, bitten, and even attacked with machetes.
Latest police assault figures obtained by Family First suggest no one is completely safe, least of all those there to protect others.
Over four years statewide, 28 officers have been admitted to hospital, 47 have been glassed, 78 have been attacked with knives or machetes, 400 have been spat on and almost 1400 kicked, punched bitten or head butted.
Mark Carroll from the Police Association said it was a hazard of the job.
“The violence we deal with on a day to day basis is unparalleled in any other occupation,” Mr Carroll said.
Family First MP Robert Brokenshire said the figures hinted at the brazen nature of offenders.
“If people are prepared with a coward’s punch to attack or bash a police officer, clearly they’re going to care even less when it comes to a young person,” he said.
Attacks in the city are now trending back towards their 2011 peak.
“I believe if we’re not careful, it will be out of control,” Mr Brokenshire said.
The state government is confident its 3am lock-out law will see an improvement in behaviour and a decrease in assaults.
“The lockout has produced roughly a 25 per cent improvement in behaviour across the board, including violence,” Attorney-General John Rau said.
