Cop bashings are on the rise

Police Association President Greg O'Connor. Photo / Northern Advocate

The number of assaults against police officers is increasing by about 100 every year, official figures show.

A report to Police Minister Judith Collins, released under the Official Information Act, revealed there were 2481 assaults on police in 2008-09, compared to just 1869 in 2004-05.

Collins told the Herald on Sunday tougher penalties for those who attack police would be introduced "as soon as possible".

She did not rule out arming Kiwi cops and said anyone who attacked an officer needed "very special condemnation from society".

"It's one of the worst parts of my job when an officer is seriously injured .... I know what families go through."

Collins spoke to Justice Minister Simon Power this week about new legislation and the pair will prepare a joint report for Cabinet.

Report author Assistant Commissioner Rob Nicholls wants the 2002 Sentencing Act amended so judges can impose harsher sentences on people who attack on-duty cops.

At least eight officers have been attacked this year, including two in Ngaruawahia last weekend.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor said law changes were logical but wouldn't be enough to protect cops.

Arming police would make people think twice before "having a go", he said.

"All Australian police are armed, and every Australian knows that. They have a deep psychological knowledge that when the uniform turns up it will have a firearm."

Collins agreed police were limited when it came to protecting themselves, but was satisfied officers had quick access to firearms when necessary.

"The general arming of police worries me. But I never rule anything out. I am always happy to look at anything that's put before me."

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* 43,914: The number of reported assaults in the 2008/09 financial year.

* 37,629: The number resolved by police.

* 2481: The number of assaults on police during that period.

anna.leask@hos.co.nz