Police are increasingly subjected to violence from drug-affected people while on the beat across Melbourne, according to the police association.
A Police Association of Victoria survey completed by more than 3500 members found that violence towards police was up about 90 per cent in the past three years. Police members were being assaulted on the job about 70 per cent more and were almost 95 per cent more likely to deal with substance-affected offenders in the three years to mid-2015. The online survey also revealed that police feel more vulnerable and “at risk” than they did three years ago, mainly due to the escalating use of the drug “ice”.
Association secretary Ron Iddles said the feedback was a worry, but not surprising.
“We all know that the role of the police officer is inherently risky, but while there have always been those who would intentionally harm police, there has never been a time when police have been faced with more risk,” Mr Iddles said.
Brimbank Acting Inspector Matthew Baynes said policing was dangerous.
“Occupational health and safety is critically important, but we need to protect the public,” he said. “If a situation is critical, we have to engage.”
He said police members routinely underwent training to better equip them for facing dangerous situations involving people affected by drugs.
When police were required to arrest someone behaving erratically and displaying signs of drug use, he said additional members were called upon and pepper spray was used when necessary.
Brimbank Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Trent Hewet said all highway patrol vehicles were now equipped with drug tests.
“We try to do four [drug] tests a shift,” he said.
Crystal methamphetamine, or “ice”, was being detected more frequently in drug tests, he said.
But he said highway patrol members were subjected to less violence than operational members.
