Assaults on WA police officers at decade-high heading into most violent season

Christmas is the peak period for assaults on police officers, particularly in one state where attacks are at a record high.

The Christmas season is the most violent in terms of assaults on officers, and the public is being warned not to engage in violent behaviour with police – or face spending the holidays behind bars.

In Western Australia, assaults on police officers are at a four-year high, while in the Perth metro area, including the infamous Northbridge entertainment precinct, assaults on officers are at a 10-year high.

Christmas is a particularly dangerous time for police, with assaults on officers increasing.

Regionally, it’s a similar story.

In Esperance assaults are up 75 per cent and in the Kimberley they are up 38 per cent, according to figures collated by the WA Police Union.

“More offenders think they can assault our members at Christmas than at any other time on the calendar,” Union president Mick Kelly said.

“A Christmas bash should be a fun night, not a fight night. Our members are away from their families and friends, patrolling the streets to ensure the majority can have fun safely. They’re not there to be human punching bags for the minority.

The WA Police Union is calling for their members not to be used as ‘human punching bags’.

An off-duty police officer was last month knocked unconscious after being kicked in the head by a 16-year-old boy.

The 36-year-old police officer was left with a fractured nose and eye socket. Soon after the attack, WA announced it would spend an additional $3.5m to fund 38,500 extra policing hours targeting the worst crime hotspots.

“Assault our members this Christmas, and even if you get good behaviour, you may not be out by July. So don’t assault our members this Christmas. Don’t screw up this time. Don’t make your kids cry on Christmas Day,” Mr Kelly said.