News from Unmesh Desai: Assembly Member speaks with police about attacks on officers

Assaults on police officers in London have increased since the start of the Coronavirus lockdown. Local London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai AM, visited the City of London Police this week to discuss officers’ welfare with frontline officers and the Commissioner, Ian Dyson QPM. During the visit he heard from officers about the difficulties they have faced policing the City during the lockdown.

Attacks on police officers across London rose by 32% between 2015 and 2019, and in the three months between May and July this year during the lockdown, assaults rose by a further 38% compared to the same period last year.

Mr Desai joined officers to discuss with them their concerns about being attacked as they go about their work, and the long-term mental health effects attacks can have. He praised their dedication to duty and thanked them for their service, before speaking to the Commissioner Ian Dyson about what more the London Assembly can do to help reduce attacks on officers.

Local London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai AM, said:

“London’s police officers, both in the City and across the capital, do a difficult and demanding job, protecting us all and helping to make London a safe and pleasant place to live. Attacks on officers are never acceptable and we must never tolerate them.

“It’s saddening to meet brave and dedicated officers, some of whom have been injured while trying to keep others safe, by people who think they’re a fair target just because they’re police officers.

“Nobody should ever think it’s acceptable to attack a police officer – being attacked for doing your job is just plain wrong.”