Police acknowledged emotions could run high at incidents, but said that was not an excuse to get violent. (file image) Photo:
Police are speaking out against abuse officers face while responding to incidents after two were assaulted in recent months.
One police officer was knocked out and taken to hospital after a tense exchange with a bystander turned violent.
Far North Area Commander Riki Whiu said it was the second incident in recent months, with another officer injured by a member of the public at the scene of a car crash in Kensington.
"This behaviour is completely unacceptable," Whiu said.
"I am disappointed in the behaviour some of our communities have displayed towards members of emergency services who have committed their lives to helping others."
He acknowledged emotions could run high, but said that was not an excuse to get violent.
"We know how utterly devastating it is when someone close to you is going through the worst of times. We see it every day and have nothing but empathy for victims and their families," he said.
"However, regardless of emotions in some situations, there is no place for violence against those who are working to save lives."
Hato Hone St John's Northland operations manager Ben Lockie echoed Whiu's concerns.
"Any abuse of our people is never acceptable, under any circumstance."
Fire and Emergency NZ Northland district manager Wipari Henwood said violence and anti-social behaviour at incidents that firefighters attended could put even more people in danger.
"Our firefighters, the majority of whom are volunteers, are committed to serving their communities and protecting what is important to them. It's essential that they can do their jobs without fear of violence or aggression.
"Like other emergency responders, we are here to help. The public's understanding of this can go a long way to ensuring the best possible outcome for everyone involved in an incident."
