"We train to deal with situations that don't involve the use of force, and really, the use of force should be a last resort in terms of what we do.  

“I think more often what we're seeing is we're being assaulted first, and we've been assaulted by members of our community, and we will take a very strong line and we will not tolerate assaults on our staff.” 

The number of recorded cases of violent crime rose from 961 instances in 2022 to 1097 cases last year.  

Pictured: (L-R) Head of Customs and Excise, Emma Webb; Head of Law Enforcement, Ruari Hardy; Chief Inspector of Operations, Julie Palmer.

These figures do not include sexual assaults, of which the number of recorded cases decreased last year. 

Mr Hardy also said that he hopes the annual report will show the public that “we're taking an absolute zero tolerance to this”. 

The Chief Inspector of Operations, Julie Palmer, said: "[It’s] really concerning to us, obviously, as an organisation, but it seems to be in line with the national trend. 

"I don't know whether it's just society that has maybe changed or the way people think about policing has changed. I think it's a very, very difficult area, and it's something that we will never condone, because officers are there, and they're paid to do a duty and protect the public. 

“I don't think it's acceptable that members of public can go ahead and subject their officers to such abuse.”