04 October 2010
The Waikato's top Police officer believes an overnight attack on a female officer who went to assist in breaking up a violent domestic dispute will serve as a timely reminder of the inherent risks of policing.
Acting Waikato District Commander, Detective Inspector Russell Le Prou, said two officers went to a Hammond St address about 10.30pm after reports an elderly man had been assaulted.
"On their arrival the two officers have encountered a 38-year-old woman in the doorway of the home and seen the injured victim in the lounge.
"The male officer has entered the home to ascertain if the victim was alright while the female officer interviewed the woman. It became apparent there sufficient grounds to arrest the woman but while the officer was trying to secure her she slipped the handcuffs and grabbed the officer's torch, hitting her in the head with it several times."
Though requiring medical treatment the officer's injuries won't prevent her returning to duty.
"I have spoken to our staff member, she is in good spirits and has been cleared to resume duties this evening. She has suffered a cut to the left side of her head and while a relatively minor injury this incident serves as a timely reminder to our staff to be wary at all incidents.
"It saddens me that one of my staff has been injured in this manner while attending a domestic violence incident and offenders need to realise that if they take this course of action they will face very serious consequences."
Mr Le Prou said one reassuring factor to come out of the incident was that the officer's calls for assistance were reacted to very quickly with her partner being joined by colleagues in a very quick period of time.
The woman has been charged with assault with a weapon, aggravated assault of Police and common assault and will appear in the Hamilton District Court later today.
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