Rise in attacks on Devon and Cornwall Police officers

There is an almost 20% rise in attacks on police officers in Devon and Cornwall. Credit: ITV Westcountry

Assaults on police officers working for the Devon and Cornwall force has risen by nearly 20% in the last 12 months.

There were 760 registered attacks in 2017, with more than 60 cases qualifying as actual bodily harm.

In November a 32-year-old man was jailed for more than two years after breaking PC Safia Finlow's leg during an attack in Paignton.

Safia Finlow (left) suffered a serious leg injury when she was assaulted whilst on duty. Credit: ITV Westcountry

Safia's colleague Inspector Simon Jenkinson works in Torquay, and says abuse from members of the public has now become the norm:

In the last three years, more than 2,000 working days have been lost to officers recovering from being attacked.

Equating to an estimated £1 million in public money.

Many suggest body-worn cameras will act as a deterrent to those attacking police officers. Credit: PA Images

Earlier this year, more than 250 body cameras were issued to firearms officers in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.

Next year will see more of the cameras rolled out to regular officers, that will be able to record any abuse as evidence.

The Devon and Cornwall Police Federation feels the measure, along with stronger deterrents could reverse the rise in attacks.

Watch Nick Smith's report in full: