By Gavin Mackintosh –
There is no mechanism to test police officers for Covid-19 in the event of being spat on by criminals, despite the need for immediate testing of the coronavirus in those circumstances. Since the outbreak of the virus a number of officers have been spat on by foolish members of the public. Many of these assaults have been prosecuted and the courts have dished out suitable punishments in each case.
What is shocking is that after such unpleasant encounters, neither the officers nor the assailants are tested for Covid-19, meaning that they could easily spread the virus unintentionally to their colleagues or members of their households. The Cps have made clear they will not hesitate to prosecute such individuals, but prosecution does not address the core issue of protecting the pubic from a virus that is killing thousands in the Uk on a daily basis. A virus that has put most of the world on lockdown to prevent people from infecting others.
It is well known that the coronavirus can be contracted through coughing and sneezing, and also remains on surfaces for up to three hours. Given the valuable service played by the police, it is both shocking and disturbing to think that no provision has been made to test cops on duty when they are assaulted. Police officers who are spat on expose others with whom they may reside to the coronavirus. Their also fellow colleagues are also at risk to the killer virus.
It’s not that surprising given the limited availability of testing facilities in the face of several Nhs and key workers that need to be tested, but it does not change the size of the problem that needs to be addressed. The government has announced plans to test those on the frontline of the Nhs service, including nurses and doctors, and key workers, but policemen and women who are spat on do not fall under that bracket.
It is vital for all officers who fall victim to the health hazards caused by these unsavoury misfits of society to be tested immediately for the virus for their own sake and that of society. The courts should also increase the sentence for the fools who disrespect the agents of the law in this way. Police officers up and down the country should not have to risk their lives and the lived of others because of selfish individuals who only care about themselves.
Northamptonshire police have reported a number of situations in the last week in which their officers have been victims of this behaviour. Northampton Police Chief Officer revealed on April 2 that a police officer who is a carer for his ill mother has had to self-isolate after being spat at and coughed over by a man claiming to have coronavirus. It happened on Wednesday evening, according to Northamptonshire Chief Constable Nick Adderley.
The same day Callum Heaton was arrested for spitting at a police officer in Lancashire.Five days later, Lianne Mottershead was jailed for spitting at an officer after kicking a police officer in the groin in Lancashire. Officers in all cases have self isolated, but none been tested, neither are there any known plans to test them. However, when both Northamptonshire and Lancashire police were contacted by The Eye Of Media.Com today, neither of them was able to say what steps were being taken to test any of their officers who have been spat on, or whether they are still serving as officers or in ongoing self isolation.
Yes, the culprits of assaults like this can be hauled before the courts and even jailed for their conduct to teach them the kind of lesson they need to learn. However, the wider issue of protecting the health of the country, easily undermined by not doing enough about these types of risks is not one not to be addressed.
The Department Of Health And Social Care were contacted for comments, but had no answers in terms of plans to test officers who are spat on. The real surprise is that officers who have been spat on are demanding immediate testing for their own safety, and that of the public, yet are supposed to be keeping us safe.