OFFICER ASSAULTS AGAINST ASSAULTS TOGETHER


Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, has launched the ‘Together against assaults’ Operation Hampshire campaign


Police Wellbeing Service said: “Operation Hampshire has been developed to ensure every officer has total support, so they can feel confident about reporting an assault. Being assaulted at work is not something any of us should accept, and nor should we accept it as a society or within the justice system. Police officers and police staff do a job like no other, you deserve to be supported and seek justice.” PFEW Wellbeing Lead Sue Honeywill said: “We run towards danger while carrying out our duty, but rarely a day goes by where we do not hear about an officer being assaulted in the course of their duty, this is unacceptable. “As a staff association, we see the


Police officers and staff face confrontation and aggression regularly, particularly in front line roles, but being physically assaulted is not something we should accept as part of the job. The Operation Hampshire campaign,


backed by the Police Federation of England and Wales, encourages a ‘togetherness mentality’ to improve how assaults are understood, talked about, and reported. We want officers and staff to know they are not on their own because together we are stronger.


A series of videos featuring


Rav Wilding, TV presenter and former Metropolitan and British Transport police officer, has been publicised to support the message. The campaign is part of the wider Operation Hampshire programme in the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS), led by Oscar Kilo through the College of Policing.


This campaign has been developed to be used by forces locally to educate officers and staff and encourage them to report assaults. There’s an element aimed at front line supervisors who need to know what can be done when someone reports an assault, signs to look out for, and the impact assaults can have. In 2023, an online training package, accessible through the College of Policing, will launch. It gives individuals


devastating effect on our members, whether this be physical or psychological injury. This can never become the norm and the impact of being assaulted cannot and should not be underestimated. “PFEW is thrilled to be involved with Operation Hampshire. Having a system that encourages best practice to support our officers is fully backed by the Federation and something we have been championing for some time.


“I’ve seen the impact being assaulted can have on colleagues and friends. It shouldn’t be part of the job”


more information about Operation Hampshire and how reporting an assault can help ensure the wellbeing of everyone working in policing.


Every UK force has signed up to Op Hampshire through the NPCC Officer and Staff Safety Review and it now features as a priority in the Police Covenant, so it is important officers and staff know what it means for them.


44 | POLICE | DECEMBER 2022


Rav Wilding said: “It was a privilege to be the voice of this campaign. As an ex-officer, I’ve seen the impact being assaulted can have on colleagues and friends. It shouldn’t be part of the job and together, by opening up and reporting, we can change this culture and bring individuals to justice.” Andy Rhodes, Service Director, National


“How forces respond to incidents has a massive impact on the journey officers undergo. Together, we can support our officers to get the help they need.”


PFEW National Chair Steve


Hartshorn said: “I’m proud the Federation has played an important part in helping to ensure assaults on police are being taken seriously. This is something we will continue to campaign for. Being assaulted should never be seen as just part of the job, and I encourage every officer to report assaults and ensure they are listened to, so they can get the best support.”


For more information about this campaign and to access the resources, please visit


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