Police in the region are subject to being bitten, spat on, abused and assaulted while on duty.
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Throughout the south coast and southern inlands 78 police officers have been assaulted on the job with 44 reporting incidents in the Shoalhaven in the 12 months leading up to March 2019.
This is the highest number compared to eight officers assaulted in Bega Valley, seven in Eurobodalla, Goulburn and Wingecarribee and five in Kiama.
Those disturbing figures were among the findings of this year's Bureau of Crime and Research (BOSCAR) statistics.
The NSW Police Association said any violence against its members was a major concern and called on communities to respect the work law enforcement officers do.
A union member, who asked not to be named due to the nature of the incidents he'd been involved in, said acts of violence could have a profound effect on frontline police officers.
They are members of the community themselves: mums and dads, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers.
- Tony King, PANSW president.
A veteran of 26 years, he was the subject of a vicious assault.
"My partner and I were approached by someone who we think was drug-affected and had mental health issues," the officer said.
"We tried to calm him down by talking to him, but eventually he started swinging punches.
"It was pretty intense there for a minute. I lost my front tooth and my partner got two broken fingers. Eventually I got a dental implant and the whole thing [all medical bills] cost about $80,000. I still feel embarrassed about the way I look. I am fortunate I haven't had any PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder] from that incident. For many others it can be so bad they have to stop work."
The new BOSCAR statistics reveal a number of towns in the region, including Bega Valley, have seen an increase of incidents between April 2018 to March 2019.
See how your Local Government Area compares to others in the region.
Police Association of NSW president Tony King reminded communities that police officers were people too and their main concern was to keep the community safe.
"The job of tackling crime and maintaining public safety has - to a disturbing level - seen more assaults just as a consequence of the police going about the job of enforcing the law and doing their job effectively," Mr King said.
"If more arrests are being made, and communities are being more protected, the last thing that should mean is for more police officers to end up being bashed, bitten, spat upon, assaulted and injured.
"Most members of the community respect that these are women and men who are working for them, not against them. They are members of the community themselves: mums and dads, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers."
Grace Ryan
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
Deputy Editor at the Central Western Daily, Orange. You'll mostly find me tinkering in social media and newsletters. Working hard to get our stories in front of your eyes.
