The region’s emergency and frontline workers were assaulted nearly 300 times in just 12 months.
And bosses have now made a collective vow to reduce violent and verbal attacks on their staff.
Police, fire service, council, ambulance service, health board and the prison have joined forces to create the Dumfries and Galloway Assault Pledge.
Chief Superintendent Carol McGuire, divisional commander for the region, 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.”
Police data shows that 281 assaults were recorded on the region’s emergency and frontline workers in the year to March 2022. The new pledge makes it clear this isn’t part of the job and encourages staff to report abuse, ensuring them they’ll be offered support.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s local senior officer, Area Commander Craig McGoldrick, 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.”
Head of the Scottish Ambulance Service in Dumfries and Galloway Michael Harmjanz said: “Our 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.”
The pledge also has the backing of the prison service and HMP Dumfries governor Andy Hunstone said: “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.”
“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.”
