The risks associated in day to day policing came home to Hamilton Police today after two of their colleagues were assaulted during a routine enquiry this morning.
One officer is currently in Waikato Hospital being assessed after suffering serious but non-life threatening injuries in the incident that took place at a Nawton address about 8.20am.
Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Rob Lindsay, said members of the City's Tactical Response Unit had gone to a Crawshaw Dr home searching for a man who arrest warrants had been issued for.
"They arrived to find him slipping out a back window of the house. Securing him without any issues officers then heard a commotion coming from inside.
"Investigating- the first officer to reach the front of the house was confronted by a man who karate kicked him in the face."
Mr Lindsay said the man was eventually brought under control after a violent struggle.
"On entering the home our officers found their dazed, semi-conscious team mate in the bathroom.
"He was taken to a medical centre immediately then on to Waikato Hospital where he is currently under observation," he said.
Following a medical examination the other officer was able to return to work a short time later.
Reflecting that receiving news of an injured officer was the most unwelcome news any commander could get Mr Lindsay said this morning's incident was a timely reminder of the daily risks faced by Police.
"By its very nature policing is a risky business, often our staff are running towards trouble other people are running away from.
"All we can do is ensure our staff have the right training, support and equipment needed to do their job and allow them to get on with it. From time to time incidents like this will occur and that's when we're lucky we have the wider Police family to rely on."
A 23-year-old man arrested in relation to the assault on the two officers is currently being interviewed by Police.
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