17 November 2022
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) says urgent action is needed to keep our members safe, after offenders deliberately rammed police cars in Katherine overnight.
NTPA President, Paul McCue, said this is the second time, in as many weeks, that our members have been deliberately targeted by offenders in stolen cars.
“It’s an absolute miracle one of our officers, or a member of the public, wasn’t maimed or killed.
“According to data provided to the NTPA by the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPES), in the last 122 days, there have been 72 recorded assaults on our members. In the 2021/22 financial year, 212 of our members were attacked.
“In the last five full years, 1,054 police officers have been assaulted. That’s two thirds of our workforce.
“If politicians were being attacked at the same rates, they’d strengthen the laws immediately. So why are violent attacks on our members being tolerated by Government?
“It is our expectation, and that of the community, that offenders who assault police face tough punishment.
“Where is the promised working group regarding assaults on frontline workers? The silence is deafening. Our members are not the Government's punching bags.
“This type of violent, reckless, dangerous offending is escalating, and our members want to know what is being done to ensure their safety," said Mr McCue.
ENDS
Please direct all media enquiries to NTPA Communications Officer, Kyrrie Blenkinsop +61 (0) 499 017 654 or media@ntpa.com.au
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) is the industrial voice of all members of the Northern Territory Police Force. Read more via www.ntpa.com.au or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTPoliceAssociation
