A video published on Coventry City Council’s social media channels today (28 February) has shown the extent of abuse faced by frontline Council staff.
The video captures an incident where two parking wardens are verbally and physically assaulted by a member of the public.
The two wardens - also known as Civil Enforcement Officers - were patrolling Victory Road and ticketed cars that were illegally parked.
When a member of the public saw a ticket on his van, he became verbally abusive towards the officers, and physically assaulted one of them by throwing him to the ground.
The video, which can be viewed on the Council’s YouTube channel, was captured by one of the body cameras that are worn by all the city’s Civil Enforcement Officers.
The cameras were introduced about six years ago. In many cases they act as a deterrent and help reduce cases of aggression towards officers, but they can also capture audio and video footage that can be used as evidence by the Council or police to assist with investigations and prosecutions.
The case is just one of many incidents of assault and abuse against Council Civil Enforcement Officers, with an increased number of incidents being reported in 2023.
Male and female officers have been violently attacked, including being punched, kicked and spat at and being driven at by speeding vehicles. They have also had full drinks bottles and cans thrown at them, as well as liquids, eggs, and even a road sign.
The video has been published as part of an ongoing Council campaign called ‘No excuse for abuse’ to cut down on violence against staff.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “Council staff work hard every day to support the people of our city and we know that is appreciated by most people, but sadly cases of abuse are rising, and this cannot be allowed to continue.
“There are too many incidents where some people cross the line and become abusive, as in this case where two officers were simply trying to do their job and help residents.
“Abuse in any form against Council staff will not be tolerated and legal action will be taken.
“We are there to help and support residents and we thank the vast majority of those for the way they work with us, but the message to the abusive minority is now clear – we will inform police and we will look to prosecute where possible to protect our staff.”