Greater Manchester Police Federation: We Must Do More To Protect Our Protectors
More must be done to tackle an “increasing disrespect” towards police officers that comes despite their crucial work, Greater Manchester Police Federation has urged.
Federation Chair Mike Peake said an “alarming” rise in assaults on officers showed respect for British policing was in decline.
Concerning figures revealed there were almost 46,000 assaults on police across England and Wales in 2024.
1,861 officers in GMP were assaulted last year. That’s an average of more than 35 every week. More than 5 every single day.
Mike said: “This shocking trend needs to be bucked, creating more support and better acknowledgement for the hard-working officers within GMP.”
The worrying shift in attitude towards policing was further highlighted in a review into last summer’s riots, which showed many young people got involved as it “looked fun”.
It was later found at least 130 police officers were injured across the country during the disorder.
The Federation Chair has now written to the office of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, calling for support for officers.
Mike wrote: “In order to tackle this alarming situation, much more needs to be done at both national and local government level.
“For example, in instances that would not negatively impact on criminal prosecutions, a more proactive approach to release police body worn video footage to the public could improve public confidence in policing.”
Mike said many sentences imposed on those assaulting police officers were “inadequate”, despite the Police Federation of England & Wales’ Protect the Protectors campaign.
He also raised concerns about the general wellbeing of officers and warned of the increasingly challenging toll of their job.
Last year, 1,028 GMP officers reported sick due to stress, anxiety or depression. It came while the force owed a total of 52,730 rest days to officers.
Mike said the pressure was driving new recruits away from the career.
He added: “The current pressures that modern day police officers face is clearly having a negative impact on retention, as people choose an alternative career with less risk.
“Recruitment and retention are vital to the safety of our members when they deal with violent offenders and keep our communities safe.
“Enough is enough, and I ask for the Mayor of Greater Manchester combined office’s support in raising our concerns at whatever platform and opportunity it can.”