Attacks on emergency workers rise to more than 3,300

More than 3,300 offences against emergency workers have been recorded in the police force area that covers Birmingham this year, around 300 more than in 2024, according to figures discussed by the Police and Crime Panel.

The figures cover attacks on police officers, paramedics and firefighters, from verbal abuse and spitting to serious assaults.

"Not part of the job"

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said violence against emergency workers was "not part of the job". He said: "All emergency workers subjected to any form of violence, abuse or harassment of any sort are encouraged to report those matters."

Councillor Ken Hawkins, a member of the panel, said: "Emergency workers are at the forefront of a lot of violence and aggression whilst they are trying to serve us."

More cases reaching an outcome

Jonathan Jardine, chief executive of the commissioner's office, said the proportion of cases reaching a positive outcome, such as a charge or caution, had improved. In 2024 the outcome rate was around 60 per cent, he said, and it is now consistently well over 75 per cent.

The law

The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 created a specific offence of assaulting an emergency worker. The maximum sentence for common assault on an emergency worker was later increased to two years in prison. Attacks on emergency workers are also treated as an aggravating factor when courts sentence more serious offences, meaning they can lead to longer sentences.

Emergency workers covered by the law include police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other ambulance staff, prison officers, and NHS staff in some roles, including in hospital emergency departments.

The impact

Unions representing emergency workers say attacks can cause serious physical injuries and lasting psychological harm, and that some staff leave their jobs as a result. Assaults also take ambulances and officers off the road while incidents are dealt with, which can delay help for other people.

Body-worn cameras

Many police officers, paramedics and some hospital staff now wear body-worn cameras. Services say the cameras help to deter abuse and provide evidence when cases go to court.

A national problem

Similar rises have been reported in other parts of the country. Ambulance services have reported large numbers of attacks on crews, often linked to alcohol, drugs or mental health crises, and fire crews have been attacked with fireworks and missiles, particularly around Bonfire Night.

With Bonfire Night approaching

Fire services in Birmingham and across the country usually see a rise in deliberate fires and attacks on crews in the weeks around 5 November. Services urge people to enjoy fireworks safely at organised displays and to report anyone misusing them.

How to help

Emergency services ask the public to treat their staff with respect, to report any attacks they witness and to give crews space to work. Anyone who sees an emergency worker being attacked should call 999.

Attacks in hospitals

Staff in hospital emergency departments, including at Birmingham's busy A and E units, also face abuse and violence, often at times when departments are crowded and patients and relatives are waiting a long time. Hospitals have introduced measures such as security staff, body-worn cameras and zero tolerance policies, and they encourage staff to report every incident so that action can be taken.