Dumfries and Galloway emergency services pledge to reduce attacks on staff

Dumfries and Galloway’s emergency and front line services and Local Authority have made a collective vow to reduce attacks of violence and verbal abuse on their staff.

They have produced the Dumfries and Galloway Assault Pledge which sets out their commitment and marks the beginning of the end of assaults on emergency and front line workers in Dumfries and Galloway.

According to the latest figures released by Police Scotland, a total of 281 assaults were recorded on Dumfries and Galloway’s emergency and front line workers and the pledge makes it clear that these are not simply part of the job. It also encourages those affected to report any form of abuse and ensures they will be offered the right support.

The pledge brings together Dumfries and Galloway’s emergency and front line responders - Police Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Scottish Prison Service.

Chief Superintendent Carol McGuire, Divisional Commander for Dumfries and Galloway, said: "Our officers and staff work with dedication and commitment to help people across our communities. It’s not part of their job to accept violence and abuse whilst they carry out those duties. It causes physical and psychological harm and tackling the concerning trend of increasing assaults is a priority for Police Scotland.”

Derek Crichton, Interim Chief Executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “I am proud to sign up to this important pledge on behalf of our Council’s frontline workers, and in conjunction with all our front line first responders. Abusive behaviour towards staff, who are diligently doing their jobs, will not be tolerated as it affects people’s lives. Our Council supports all our staff and any inappropriate behaviour towards them will be dealt with.”

Michael Harmjanz, Head of Service for the Scottish Ambulance Service in Dumfries and Galloway said: “Scottish Ambulance Service staff provide a vital service to the public. They work incredibly hard, helping people in need and keeping them safe. They have the right to go about their duties without the fear of attack or abuse and I will fully support Police Scotland and the Procurator Fiscal in the prosecution of those who assault our staff.”

Andy Hunstone, Governor, HMP Dumfries said: As Governor of HMP Dumfries, I will not tolerate any form of violence or aggression against staff, partner agencies or individuals in custody. Those working and living within the establishment are entitled to a safe environment and to be treated with respect without fear of violence and aggression. HMP Dumfries will promote the use of appropriate behaviours and will challenge and report any incident of violent behaviour to Police Scotland for action. Our aim is to ensure the positive wellbeing and safety of everyone within our establishment.

Area Commander Craig McGoldrick is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Local Senior Officer for Dumfries and Galloway.

He said: “Firefighters, and colleagues from other emergency services and partner organisations, deal with difficult and challenging situations every day to protect our local communities.

“It is important that they can carry out their duties as safely as possible. Being subject to physical attacks, verbal abuse or being spat on is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“It is often down a very small minority of individuals and our firefighters will continue to work with, and to educate young people.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service stands with our local partners to support the pledge and raise awareness of this concern.”

The local initiative builds on and complements Police Scotland's national Assault Pledge made by Chief Constable Iain Livingstone in 2020 which was supported by the then Lord Advocate and Cabinet Secretary for Justice.
The Chief Constable's Assault Pledge was developed as part of Police Scotland's Your Safety Matters programme to address a long-term trend of increasing assaults on officers and staff.

A dedicated campaign will launch today, 31 March to raise awareness of the local initiative and will feature radio ads on West FM, press ads in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard, Galloway News and social media messaging across owned and earned channels.