ASSAULTS against police are becoming a shockingly common problem, with a Bathurst highway patrol officer allegedly punched and headbutted during a routine traffic stop over the weekend.
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The alleged headbutt, at White Road on Saturday afternoon, came just days after Police Minister David Elliott condemned a rise in the number of "appalling" attacks on NSW officers.
Macquarie Cluster Senior Supervisor, Sen Sgt Peter Foran, said attacks like the one which allegedly occurred on Saturday, are unfortunately common, not only within NSW Police but other front-line emergency services.
He said situations like those faced by his officer on Saturday were a reality of the job.
"Situations like this occur a lot more frequently then people probably think."
He said he had messaged the officer involved, who fortunately had only suffered minor injuries.
"Having said that is a very stressful experience, and one that no one needs."
"Thankfully on this occasion, the officer's training and experience kicked in and he was able to contain the situation (and there was no risk to the community)."
IN NEWS AROUND BATHURST:
Police allege the assaults occurred after the driver, 32, was pulled over by police for speeding.
A spokesperson for police said the officer spoke to the driver, before attempting to have him take a roadside breath, which he allegedly refused.
The man then attempted to drive away before the officer removed the keys from the ignition and instructed him to get out of the vehicle. He complied, but then allegedly punched the senior constable in the face multiple times before headbutting the officer, who deployed capsicum spray and restrained the driver.
The driver was arrested and refused bail by police, and appeared before Dubbo Bail Court on Sunday morning. The 32-year-old received bail, to appear before Bathurst Local Court on Monday, July 6, 2020.
Sen Sgt Foran said that officers' training ensured they were prepared for a situation to escalate rapidly.
"People talk about a routine vehicle stop.There's no such thing.
"Every vehicle stop has the potential to be dangerous, even fatal. It's what we accept as part of the job, though we shouldn't have to."
"We are trained to deal with it, and thankfully on this occasion our member is okay."
"For police it's an accepted part of the job.... it it shouldn't be part of the job, and it's not right that it happens."
