New technology to help crackdown on offenders assaulting emergency workers

By Belinda Ryan - Local Democracy Reporter 12th May 2025

10 police officers and PCSOs had been assaulted over a 48-hour period during one weekend in April (Cheshire Police).
10 police officers and PCSOs had been assaulted over a 48-hour period during one weekend in April (Cheshire Police).

Cheshire's police commissioner has said new technology will help the police crackdown on people who attack emergency workers and bring them to justice.

Commissioner, Dan Price, was responding to a question about attacks on police after chief constable, Mark Roberts, revealed 10 officers and PCSOs had been assaulted over a 48-hour period during one weekend last month.

At Friday's (May 9) meeting of the police and crime panel, member Gemma Shepherd-Etchells said such attacks could have far reaching consequences for the impact on officers personally, and with regard to them being able to conduct their operational duties.

New technology, including body worn cameras and facial recognition will help police crackdown on people who attack emergency workers (Belinda Ryan, LDRS).

She said it could also impact other staff members as well as the community.

Mrs Shepherd-Etchells asked the commissioner: "How are you ensuring that they are supported within Cheshire Police?"

Mr Price said that was primarily the responsibility of the chief constable.

But he added: "One of the areas that I am championing is that modernisation piece, now that can mean a lot of different things.

"One of the best examples of that is body worn cameras.

"I am pleased to say there is a huge amount of investment taking place into that technology.

Gemma Shepherd Etchells, Cheshire Police And Crime Panel (Cwac).

"It will be updated with time, with newer innovations that happen within that space, including, we are using that to use for more facial recognition technology.

"Truthfully, members of the public who commit offences, such as attacking a police officer or an emergency worker, should expect that that will not be tolerated, and that justice will be brought about.

"And that technology is absolutely vital to making sure that that happens."

     

Please Support Us Sandbach. Your Town. Your News. Your Support Matters.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
By becoming a monthly supporter, you’ll help us continue delivering reliable local stories and events.
Your support makes a real difference to Sandbach.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide sandbach with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Sandbach. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience