£2.2m of payouts for force's injured officers

A county's police force has spent £2.2m on payouts after more than 100 officers were injured on duty last year.

Norfolk Police paid out to 139 officers who suffered physical or psychological harm while at work, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

Last year one in nine officers were signed off on mental health grounds - more than double that in 2016 and the number of assaults on officers in the county rose from 600 in 2019/20 to 840 cases.

A spokesman for Norfolk Constabulary said the force regularly reviewed safety measures and was working to improve training and equipment.

The figures, which followed a Freedom of Information request, showed the total compensation paid to injured officers in the past six years was £11.6m.

The force said claimants sustained a range of physical and psychological injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Six payouts related to cases of "very severe injuries" — which can prevent a return to policing.

Andy Symonds, chairman of the Norfolk Police Federation, said officers were facing increased risks and called for tougher sentences for assaults on emergency workers.

He said: "Officers today are policing in an environment that is more complex, unpredictable and, at times, more hostile.

"From dealing with violent offenders to responding to mental health crises, officers are often placed in situations where the risk of assault or injury is significant."

Symonds said in some cases officers have been subjected to repeated assaults in a number of weeks.

He called for forces to ensure officers have access to the correct protective equipment, as well as addressing workplace pressures.

A spokesman for Norfolk Constabulary said the force regularly reviewed safety measures and was working to improve training and equipment.

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