Emergency services and other partner agencies across Dorset are working together to highlight the #Unacceptable trend in the number of verbal abuse, assaults or attacks their staff face and the rising number involving threats of COVID-19 infection.
During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, police, the ambulance service, the fire service, cou
ncil, healthcare staff and other key workers have regularly been subjected to attacks where the spread of the virus has been used as a tool to assault or verbally abuse key workers.
Between 16 March and 14 April 2020 there were 40 occurrences of assault on police officers and emergency workers in Dorset. These have included being coughed and sneezed at with the threat of infection and physical attacks. Not all victims’ occupations are recorded and therefore this statistic does not encompass all key workers. However, there were a further five reports of COVID-19-related assaults involving a farmer, gas fitter, workshop engineer and two shop employees during this same time frame.
Chief Constable James Vaughan, of Dorset Police, said: “Our officers and staff, along with other emergency services colleagues and key workers, demonstrate commitment, courage and dedication on a daily basis. They signed up to help protect the public, not to come into work each day with the risk of being assaulted, attacked, verbally abused or intentionally infected by COVID-19. The impact this can have on them, their colleagues and their families can have serious consequences.
“On 1 April 2020 officers were called to a report of an abusive man in Bournemouth. When cautioned for his behaviour, he coughed at officers and sneezed in their direction before saying “have some of the coronavirus”.
Chief Constable James Vaughan continued: “Coughing and sneezing at officers is particularly abhorrent during the public health emergency we are all facing.
“We will not tolerate assaults on our officers, our emergency services colleagues or key workers. Offenders will be dealt with robustly and we will bring criminal proceedings against those responsible.
“Working with partners, Dorset Police is raising awareness of the risks officers, emergency services colleagues and essential key workers are taking to keep communities running. Any form of assault against emergency service staff or key workers will be dealt with swiftly.”
Martyn Underhill, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, said: “Our police officers, paramedics and other key workers are heroes who are enabling our county to keep going throughout this unprecedented situation. I’m sure the vast majority of the Dorset public would agree that assaulting these brave men and women, or deliberately coughing and sneezing over them, is a despicable and cowardly act. We will need the help of our key workers more than ever over the coming weeks – any assault on them is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Matt Prosser, Chief Executive of Dorset Council, said: “It is really sad to hear some of our officers and volunteers have received verbal abuse while carrying out essential work in our towns and villages. They are working hard to keep critical services and support available at this time.
“For example, if you park across a loading bay or on double yellow lines, it may mean essential deliveries to a local pharmacy cannot be made or access for emergency service vehicles is severely restricted. That’s why we are continuing to enforce these simple traffic regulations.
“Or think of the uniformed care worker who is visiting to help a local resident at home so they don’t take up a valuable hospital bed. They have a vital role to play and need our support, not criticism or abuse.
“Our key workers are following the rules around social distancing to stay safe and help protect our NHS whilst keeping vital supply chains going. Please respect our colleagues as they do their work during these difficult times.”
Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of BCP Council, said: “Abuse of our staff is unacceptable at any time. It is not part of the job to tolerate any form of mistreatment. It is staggering to hear reports of abuse to both council and other frontline staff at a time when many are going above and beyond the call of duty, working in extremely challenging conditions to keep our communities safe.
“Any kind of abuse directed towards these colleagues is completely unacceptable, and we will not hesitate to work with the police to deal harshly with anyone not treating our colleagues with the respect they deserve at this difficult time.”
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell, of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firefighters and support staff are working hard with our colleagues to deal with the challenges that COVID-19 presents. They go to work to help their communities in their time of need, but they are people too.
“Our emergency services and key workers do not deserve to be abused in any way for simply doing their job. To be intentionally infected with this virus or harmed in any way is completely unacceptable. This has serious effects, not only on their health and well-being but that of their families and loved ones as well – and we will not tolerate this. My staff and the colleagues they work with deserve to be treated with respect at work, now and in the future.”
Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of South Western Ambulance Service, said: “Our ambulance crews and control room staff are working tirelessly on the frontline to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am so proud of and thankful for them all.
“Any verbal, mental or physical assault against an emergency services staff member or key worker is completely unacceptable. Sadly we received 1330 incidents of violence and aggression towards our staff in the last year, which is an increase of 16% on the previous year. Unfortunately these incidents have continued during the COVID-19 crisis when our staff are working in an extremely challenging environment to protect and save lives.
“We support whatever action is necessary to protect our staff from harm, and ensure those responsible for any attacks are prosecuted.”
Eugine Yafele, Chief Executive of Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It defies belief that there are people who would act in this way, threatening those who are trying to support and protect us all in these current challenging times. No-one, least of all key workers at the frontline battling this virus, should have to face such behaviour and threats. Please respect those who are working so hard to support our local communities.”
Dorset Police is asking people to support the campaign by sharing their #Unacceptable posts on social media. They are also reminding people to follow the national healthcare guidelines to stay at home unless necessary, respect social distancing and maintain good hygiene.
These people are despicable and until they lose someone that is dear to them to the virus it won’t change their attitudes to those who are keeping our country going. All key workers are doing sterling work no matter what their job is.
After reading the article about the abuse of police officers and emergency workers I felt so ashamed of some of the human race. Those responsible for these abominable actions might need their help one day, or even one of their loved ones might need it and they would soon change their tune. What is wrong with these morons?
A. Groves
Absolutely disgusting that some people can behave this way.
All power to ‘Captain Tom at 99 years old. Raising 18 million for the
NHS.
THe abusers should be named and shamed
It should be treated as attempted murder
Totally unacceptable. These people should be listed and refused treatment, should they need it.
I am equally disgusted and I feel ashamed to be part of a community which includes people who behave in such a despicable and antisocial way. I, like almost all those living in Dorset, respect our public servants and value what they do to keep us all as safe as possible. They have our gratitude and our sympathy.
I am appalled at the reports of such unacceptable behaviour towards the key workers you mention. I would urge all our key workers to remember those who act in that manner are the minority, particularly when the country as a whole is coming together.
Everyone in my family and circle of friends often reflect on the good work those people do on our behalf in every public service. Sadly, for those abused, they only hear the abuse, they may not realise the level of deep appreciation of the overwhelming majority of those they serve.
Keep up your excellent work, it is appreciated and will never be forgotten by me or mine.
Thank you, one and all.
This so outrageous. Can you not adopt a policy of naming and shaming publicly the names of the offenders where possible.
Wish I could say this was unbelievable. Support and thanks to you all (I’m a frontline care worker too and ‘luckily’ haven’t had any abuse so far.
Without frontline workers, whether care, cleaners, binners, and so many low paid others, the country couldn’t operate.
I am equally disgusted and I feel ashamed to be part of a community which includes people who behave in such a despicable and antisocial way. I, like almost all those living in Dorset, respect our public servants and value everything they do to keep us all as safe as possible. They have our gratitude and sympathy.
I just wanted to take the time to say that as a member of the public, I am truly sorry to hear of such abuse, and to send my good wishes to the workers who have been so badly treated,
regards,
Maria
I am so sorry to hear that a small minority of our population chooses to behave so appallingly in the face of this awful epidemic. Many of us continue to be so very grateful for all that these frontline key workers are doing. Their actions are morally despicable; and I hope that their punishments are severe enough to pose a deterrent to other like-minded individuals.
The mindless people who do this should be immediately put down the spot ,they are animals who contribute nothing to Society and are a drain on valuable resources which are in very short supply.
What makes me so annoyed is that I have not read of the abusers be arrested and charged
Unless and until these morons are severely punished with custodial sentences these attacks will escalate. ‘Tolerance’ is misguided and counterproductive when our selfless workers are putting their very lives on the line for our communities and our wellbeing.
The vast majority of the general public are very appreciative of the work done by all of our public services and find the behaviour of a few idiots , putting it mildly, totally out of order.
There is no doubt in my mind that people who act as irresponsibly as experienced should be pursued within the full force of the law and , other than in cases of life and death, services being provided should be withdrawn unless a complete and fulsome apology is proffered to the victims concerned. Behaviour of this nature should be penalised similarly during normal times and not confined ti the current crisis. The waste collectors serving me invariably receive a greeting and I see this as a matter of good manners.
I think the abuse that these people are getting is absolutely horrific and totally unacceptable. We should all be working together.
These people are working on the front line trying to do their jobs as normally as they can.
I totally oppose these idiots who are trying to cause so much trouble.
I pray that you will all remain safe and I want to offer my thanks to you all.
Take care .
This is completely unacceptable.
The overwhelming majority of residents have nothing but administration and respect for the wonderful commitment of the Dorset services staff.
The names of the people who commit these offences should be published.
Thank you for this information which makes for sad reading. I personally am grateful for the continuation of excellent services provided by DC. Eg. The regular collection of rubbish and recycling is marvellous and appreciated.
I must admit that I cannot understand the mentality of people who abuse key workers etc. Lastly I am grateful for the information give and wish all of you well. I am Christian and will keep you and your colleagues in my prayers.
Unfortunately people who behave so despicably are usually psychiatric cases and nothing can be done to stop their nasty anti-social habits. The only solution I can think of is to provide sterilised lock-ups outside police premises wherein those arrested can be detained away from contact with further personnel until such time as they can be tested and either released or quarantined in custody.
Thank you for this information which makes for sad reading. I personally am grateful for the continuation of excellent services provided by the Council. EG The regular collection of recycling and rubbish bins.
I must admit that I cannot understand the mentality of people who abuse key workers etc. Lastly I am grateful for the information give. And wish of you well. I am a Christian and will keep you and your colleagues in my prayers.
Please, please, please let us stop letting these abusive people get away with such awful behaviour. In such terrible times, our services must be supported in the strongest way and all staff, (employed or otherwise), should not have to take any abuse or intimidation. Stronger punishments should be delivered and individuals named and shamed. People behave this way as they see any repercussion as minimal.
I totally AGREE with Patricia Joyce Gates. An uncivil register should be maintained for these people so that they may not enjoy the services of our
truly brilliant key workers in the future until they perform many many hours of public services, i.e., cleaning toilets.
Disgraceful, the punishment should be made to fit the crime.
Those evil people should, and must, be made to account for their actions by the full force of the law.
This is extraordinary and unacceptable. These workers are our life line and we need to show how much we value them and all they are doing for us. Please if there is a way of letting them know about my care and support, and I am sure tat of many many others, then shout it out loudly to them all.
I for one am only to grateful for all the services I am still getting and wish
every carer and worker for the Council good health and thank you.
What’s wrong with some people, how can anybody in their right mind think it’s acceptable to attack/abuse anyone but especially our key workers fighting to keep things going?
We need to share the fact that we all view this behaviour as WRONG!
NOT IN OUR NAME!
People who perform such disgusting acts should be tasered, taken to a wired animal cage and left there until they apologise to their victim personally. They should also get a lifelong criminal record. If they want to behave like animals, then treat them like it. Thought this is probably an insult to animals.
Carry on doing a very good and worthwhile job, keeping the wheels moving. Any abuser should be severely dealt with. In my day they would be taken round the corner and given a good hiding.
It sickens me to know that there are people out there who think it’s ok to abuse the very people who spend their lives helping us in some way, especially the emergency services but also anyone whose work involves face to face contact with the public like shop assistants, bank clerks, etc.
Unfortunately, although we keep hearing “this behaviour will not be tolerated”, it is and has been for so long now that the perpetrators have learnt they can do it and get away with it.
This pandemic has highlighted the problem that has been around for years.
Perhaps, when this is all over, we should start being far more INTOLERANT of this kind of behaviour in our everyday life and make sure there are real and serious consequences for the offenders. Not just a smack on the wrist and a good telling off, or a fine which probably never gets paid.
We need to CHANGE peoples behaviour, and to do that we need radical responses to it.
People who abuse emergency services staff, NHS staff or indeed anyone providing a service, including shop workers, should be dealt with most severely. Such abuse should carry an automatic jail sentence, no excuses. Society is far too soft on miscreants and a tougher approach and early intervention might change mindsets.
More than time to name and shame this minority possibly, morons is a conservative term for them, plus a fine a hefty fine and maybe a spell behind bars would assist their pathetic behavior. Not to be tolerated,the news of NHS STAFF HAVING THEIR CARS KEYED, literally brought tears to my eyes, what have we done to bring up this group of idiots.?
Ensure ALL staff are wearing cameras (similar to police body cams) and then either put the photos up on show somewhere and/report to police and sue.
Keep up the good work
MW
I agree,name and shame also hefty fines or jail terms are needed.
Having just read this article and I am disgusted these people should be named and shamed and made to do some community service to repay all the workers who are doing a magnificent job during these times. I thank everyone of them.
Thank you for continuing to faithfully and selflessly maintain services in spite of the lockdown and in spite of those imbeciles who selfishly abuse, assault and attack those of you on the front line, as you go about your duties serving the public.
It is so difficult to comprehend the mentality of these people! Lack of respect is prominent in our society today, I grew up in more disciplined times and served in the Womens Royal Navy. We take care of people not abuse them! Harsher penalties should be in place for these disgraceful people, they need to be shown that this type of behaviour has zero tolerance
As a Social Worker, getting verbally abused is part of daily life often for us. I’m sorry to hear that other essential services are experiencing this too and it really is unacceptable.
I totally understand that people often don’t want our input which can lead to people feeling defensive and their behaviour as a result, can be hostile and abusive. However, my experience is that some people feel they have free rein to shout at us, swear at us, blame us and be physically and verbally aggressive and hostile towards us for doing our job. Anything that reminds people that this is not OK gets my support.