More PSOs bitten, punched, kicked at Melbourne train stations
PSOs are being punched, kicked, abused and even shot at by aggressive and unruly passengers at Melbourne’s train stations.
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PROTECTIVE service officers are coming under attack more frequently across Melbourne’s train network.
Officers are routinely being bitten, kicked and punched by aggressive and unruly passengers. Some have been set upon by multiple attackers.
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Reports, released under Freedom of Information Laws, reveal PSOs are being attacked and disrespected regularly.
Assaults against PSOs have jumped almost 20 per cent in the past two years — up 237 this year compared to 199 in 2015, according to police statistics. Threats have also increased.
Among recent attacks, PSOs who asked a drunk man to remove a cask of wine from his pants were assaulted in Noble Park. The drunk’s female friend punched a PSO in the back after an abusive tirade and attempts to prevent officers from arresting her mate.
Another passenger tried to bite an officer’s face after resisting arrest at the station.
A male PSO was punched in the mouth and chin while patrolling Cheltenham train station and a female officer took several kicks to the head and legs in Alamein.
In Kooyong, a woman who appeared to be under the influence bit a PSO on the wrist and arm.
Police Association Victoria Secretary Wayne Gatt said violence against PSOs would not be tolerated.
“Our members respond to calls for assistance from the community. They are there to protect the community, so by extension, any assault or threat of assault against them is a crime against the community.”
Victoria Police spokesman Thomas O’Byrne said PSOs underwent specialist training to help them protect themselves in dangerous situations.
“These tactics help prevent hostile situations from escalating to threats, and prevent threats from escalating to assault,” he said.
Mr O’Byrne partly attributed the rise in assaults to more PSOs being deployed at metropolitan stations.
“However, even one instance of assault is completely unacceptable,” he said.
“Anyone who threatens or assaults any member of the community, including emergency services workers, can expect to be charged.
“Victoria Police is constantly reviewing and improving the mechanisms in place to protect its employees and the community.”