Northumbria Police Federation wants to reassure members that ‘every assault is important, every crime is taken seriously, and every victim is heard’.
This comes after the introduction of out-of-court resolutions (OOCRs) on low-level assaults on emergency service workers at Northumbria Police – an approach which is already in effect up and down the country.
Having received feedback from members on this approach, Northumbria Police Federation wants to make it clear to all members that assaults on emergency service workers are never acceptable.
The aim of OOCR is to reduce re-offending, improve victim experience, and deliver meaningful rehabilitation for offenders.
Nick Munnelly, chair of Northumbria Police Federation, said: “Assaults on police officers are rising. This approach is one of several ways the Force is working to reverse that trend.
“I want to assure you, this is about protecting officers, encouraging reporting, and making sure we use every available tool to prevent assaults in the future.
Assault
“No assault on a police officer is acceptable, and no officer should feel they have to just put up with it.”
While Nick acknowledged that out-of-court options won’t be right for every case, he said that ‘when used appropriately, they can deliver real accountability and reduce the chances of an officer being assaulted again’.
He added: “Crucially, the message to our members is clear: assault is a crime. And every crime is taken seriously, and every victim is heard. You will be listened to.”
A key goal of the approach is to encourage true and consistent reporting of all incidents, however big or small.
Inspector Matthew (Matt) Sykes, who leads on OOCR, explained: “Colleagues often say, ‘what’s the point in reporting?’ when they believe the outcome will be minimal. But officers, staff and volunteers are absolutely entitled to report an assault and should never feel expected to tolerate violence as ‘part of the job’.”
Matt explained that out-of-court resolutions are not about undermining the seriousness of an assault or allowing offenders to ‘get away with it’.
Offending
He continued: “Instead, they offer an alternative route that can sometimes be more effective than traditional court outcomes, especially for lower-level offending.
“Every case still undergoes a full investigation. Evidence is gathered, statements taken, and victims supported under the Victims’ Code of Practice. Victim views remain central to decision-making.”
Matt, who has experienced assaults himself, emphasised: “No victim is left behind.”
OOCRs are never automatic. Key safeguards include:
- Full admission required – offender must admit the offence, which can later support civil claims or compensation.
- Repeat offenders excluded – anyone previously convicted or cautioned for assaulting an emergency worker cannot be considered.
- Court remains an option – victims’ views will be recorded and taken into consideration in the decision-making process.
- Serious cases go through CJS – OOCRs are never used when a custodial or more serious outcome is appropriate.
- Individual review – each case is assessed by trained decision-makers.
Why this approach can work?
Matt explained that research shows that high-quality interventions focused on education, substance use, or mental health can significantly reduce reoffending.
Online workshops
Northumbria Police deliver specialist online workshops covering:
- What constitutes an assault?
- The real-world impact on officers, staff and volunteers.
- Personal testimony and video evidence showing long-term effects on colleagues and their families.
Offenders must engage fully and are held accountable. The offence remains recorded and visible on processes such as Disclosure and Barring checks.
Matt said: “One major benefit? Faster outcomes for victims. Instead of waiting months for a court date, victims see prompt action, tailored intervention, and a clear acknowledgement of responsibility from the offender.”
He ended by summing up: “For many, an OOCR can provide the first step toward closure. This is not about excusing behaviour, it’s about creating conditions in which the behaviour is far less likely to happen again.”
READ MORE: Federation welcomes ‘overdue’ change to use of force test.