SPOKANE-- New data shows assaults on police officers are up significantly in Washington State.
KREM 2's Ashley Korslien found out how Spokane compares to the rest of the state.
Statistics from the Spokane Police Department shows the area is in line with the rest of the state. The number of people assaulting officers on calls has spiked significantly.
Officer Terry Preuninger is a tactics instructor with the Spokane Police Department. He says being assaulted on the job is a reality all officers face.
Around the state, it's a growing problem.
In 2009, 822 assaults were reported in Washington. In 2011, the number jumped significantly to 1,049; 25% resulting in personal injury to the officer.
The same thing is happening in Spokane. From 2010 to 2011, assaults spiked from 51 to 64. The majority of assaults on officers are taking place during disturbance calls, and when only one officer responded.
Officer Preuninger believes the numbers keep increasing, because many police department's keep decreasing staff size.
An assault on a police officer is at the minimum, a class c felony. The most common weapon was the suspect's own hands, fists and feet.
KREM 2's Ashley Korslien contributed to this story.
