A police officer that was spat on by a suspect while on duty has tested positive for the coronavirus.
According to reports, the police officer was spat at by a suspect while they were walking the beat.
From the months of February and November 2020, the Dorset police said that 32 police officers were spat at.
That is up by 8 cases during the same period in the last year.
Anna Harvey, the chairwoman of the Dorset Police Federation, said that the offenders are currently using the coronavirus as a weapon.
The police officer that contracted the virus is fit and healthy, however, they are currently struggling with the virus.
James Vaughan, a Chief Constable, released a statement about the incident, where they said:
Our officers, along with our emergency services colleagues, have remained on the frontline throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, engaging with our communities, protecting the vulnerable and tackling crime. It is not acceptable that our officers come into work and face the prospect of being assaulted. For people to be spitting at or biting them is despicable in any circumstances, but particularly in light of the public health emergency we are facing. Not only do these assaults put our officers in danger but also their families. We will continue to deal swiftly and robustly with any offences of this nature and ensure offenders are brought before the court to face justice. We will also do all we can to protect our officers and ensure those who are subjected to these abhorrent attacks are supported within the force.
The spokesperson of the Dorset Police said that the man was arrested by the authorities, however, he spat at the officer when they were arresting him.
The spokesperson added:
He was arrested and during the arrest it was reported that the man spat at an officer. A 41-year-old man of no fixed abode has been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker and being drunk and disorderly in a public place and is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 23rd February 2021.
The current health of the police officer was not shared with the public.