Cambridgeshire Police Federation has welcomed the jailing of a man who spat at and kicked an officer.
However, branch chair Liz Groom says the eight-week sentence handed down is not enough.
Liz said: “We welcome the fact that this offender has been jailed for attacking a police officer.
“Too often we see those who assault our colleagues walk away with community orders or suspended sentences, so it is positive that the courts are recognising the seriousness of attacks on our members.
“However, eight weeks in prison is simply not enough.
“This was a vile and disgusting attack on an officer who was simply trying to protect the suspect from harming himself.
“Spitting at officers is particularly revolting, and sentences need to reflect the impact these assaults have – not just on the individual officer, but also on their family, friends, and colleagues.”
Terrance Nichols, 35, was jailed at Peterborough Crown Court after admitting common assault of an emergency worker.
Nichols had been arrested for a separate matter on 1 July and taken to Peterborough City Hospital for treatment
At around 10.30am Nichols attempted to remove a canula from his arm, but the Cambridgeshire Police Federation member prevented him from doing so.
Nichols reacted by kicking the officer in the face before spitting at him and saying he hoped he had broken his jaw.
Thankfully, the officer was uninjured.
Liz said the case demonstrated the need for the Police Federation of England and Wales’s (PFEW) Copped Enough campaign, which highlights the violence officers face on the streets.
“Copped Enough is calling for those who assault our members to face sentences that properly reflect the seriousness of the crime,” she said.
“Our members deserve meaningful protection and shouldn’t face attacks just for the uniform they wear.”
PC Oliver Holmes, of Cambridgeshire Police, added: “The officer was trying to prevent Nichols from doing himself further harm, so to respond by attacking him was disgusting.
“I’m pleased he has been jailed for his actions.
“We take assaults on our officers incredibly seriously and we will seek to prosecute those who choose to attack them for simply doing their job.”