Thugs who assault police officers 'should not get early parole'

POLICE chiefs are demanding MSPs ensure prisoners convicted of violence against officers and staff are not eligible for early release from prison.

- BY RICHARD ELIAS

The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents (ASPS) and the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) yesterday launched a new campaign - Assault The Police? No Early Release.

Physical attacks against police officers and staff remain a persistent and deeply concerning feature of operational policing in Scotland.

In the current financial year, 90% of assaults recorded against emergency services workers are recorded against police officers.

And that these figures are up around 11%.

In 2024-25 alone, more than 7,159 such assaults were recorded - an average of nearly 20 per day.

Chief Superintendent Rob Hay, president of the ASPS and David Threadgold, chairman of the SPF, have joined forces to try to drive down this concerning rise in attacks against their colleagues.

A letter, outlining their demands, has been sent to the Justice Secretary, Angela Constance.

ESCALATING

Ch Supt Hay has also called on politicians of all parties to commit to protecting the country's protectors - by ensuring those who attack police officers serve the stiff prison sentences they deserve.

He said: "We need a proper deterrent against what is becoming an escalating and deeply concerning problem.