Star comment: Police face many hard challenges

That may come in the shape of restraint or the deployment of an armed response; it may take the form of a Taser or an incapacitant spray.

Though the West Mercia region is large and Shropshire forms but one part of it, many will still be surprised that force is required so frequently.

Most parts of our county have relatively low levels of crime and also benefit from low levels of fear of crime. Put simply, in most towns people feel safe because they are.

There is no doubt that members of the police put themselves in harm’s way on many occasions. Like other public servants who work for blue light brigades, they encounter danger on a regular basis. It is an occupational hazard.

There are times when officers find themselves the victim of attack and must defend themselves from abuse. At other times, they seek to intervene in dangerous situations with the intention of defusing inflammatory episodes or preventing damage or harm to others.

Nationally, we have witnessed great acts of heroism and bravery this year, particularly in the face of home-grown terrorist attacks.

Yet the use of force by members of the police can also be contentious. There have been occasions when people have accused the police of failing to show sufficient restraint.

High profile incidents have led to formal investigations, and such occasions can undermine confidence and create in certain communities an ‘us and them’ mentality.

It is important, therefore, that police are transparent about the way they conduct themselves. The use of body cameras is a step in the right direction and provides evidence that can assuage the doubters, or, conversely, provide incontrovertible proof.

Though we live in what might be considered a relatively quiet part of the country, the figures show that officers face some extreme challenges on a scale that will be greater than most people imagine.

So while there will be some question about how necessary this show of force is, efforts to increase transparency are welcome – and for many there will be a great deal of sympathy and support for those officers who put their lives on the line, day in, day out, to keep us safe.