ESSEX Police has seen a concerning rise in the number of police officers injured while on duty, with the figure now the highest it has been in three years.
During that time, a staggering £279,228 has been paid out in compensation settling injury claims from staff and officers for injuries sustained while on duty.
The most common cause of police officer injuries are from assaults, which have risen by 63 per cent since 2022.
According to the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) which represents police officers, forces are being “pushed to breaking point and enough is enough.”
New data obtained by Accident at Work Claim UK through Freedom of Information requests reveals that between 2022 and 2024, a total of 3,176 Essex police officers were injured while on duty.
Injuries sustained as result of assault, accounted for 2,109 cases since 2022 while injuries caused by accidents in the workplace resulted in 1,067 incidents.
A total of 1,243 police officer injuries were recorded in 2024, a 53 per cent increase from 2022 when 813 injuries were recorded – these include assaults and accidents in the workplace.
Assault injuries alone have increased year on year from 511 in 2022 to 837 in 2024 – a rise of 63 per cent.
The figures underline a rising trend in officer harm that has sparked renewed calls for improved workplace safety measures and support services.
Earlier this month (Tuesday May, 6) the PFEW launched the ‘Copped Enough Campaign’ in the fight it says, for police officers’ right to fair pay, safe conditions, and respect.
“32 officers are violently assaulted every day – and the numbers are rising, ” a PFEW spokesperson said.
“The police officers who protect communities are being pushed to breaking point. Real-terms pay cuts of up to 21%, rising assaults, daily trauma and risk, they run towards danger – but their pay doesn’t cover running a household. Enough is enough.”
In terms of financial redress, Essex Police data revealed that a total 21 compensation claims have been submitted by staff and officers between 2021 and 2024 for injuries sustained while at work. Of those, 15 pertained to police officer injuries, while the remaining 6 were made by other police staff for workplace injuries.
Between 2021/22, a total of £122,478 compensation was awarded, followed by £95,500 the following year. A further £61,250 was also awarded in 2023/24.
Recent assaults on police and prison officers, including the attack on three prison officers at the high-risk security prison, HMP Franklin in County Durham, has increased national scrutiny into the safety of frontline officers.
On Saturday, April 5, Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi reportedly threw hot cooking oil over prison officers and used “home-made weapons” to stab them, according to the Prison Officers’ Association (POA).
More recently, on Thursday, May 8, convicted Southport murderer Axel Rudakubana, allegedly launched an attack from his cell at HMP Belmarsh. He is reported to have heated water using a kettle in his room which was then thrown at an officer.
The spate of attacks has prompted a wider debate about police and prison officer assaults and job-related hazards.
Local figures from Essex Police are in line with the national landscape and reaffirm the need for ongoing discussions about frontline safety, duty of care, and the challenges of policing currently in the UK.
Speaking to Accident at Work Claim UK, Solicitor Bev Faulkner said: “If you have been injured whilst working, it is possible to bring a claim against the Police Force, your employer, for compensation if their negligence resulted in the accident and your injuries.
“The Police Force cannot sack you, discipline you for bringing a claim against them, prevent you from being promoted or demote you.”
Accident at Work Claim UK offers support to police officers and staff who have suffered an injury at work and free advice on whether they can claim compensation.
They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.
