A Wairarapa police officer has described attacks on police around the country as just "the tip of the iceberg", and says abuse and physical attacks against police have become part of their job.
Sergeant Mike Sutton, of Masterton police, said serious assaults against officers were often highlighted in the national news,
but less serious attacks often went unreported.
"What we've seen is probably just the tip of the iceberg with these just the most serious [incidents]."
He said he thought people were becoming more likely "to have a go" at police in recent years, with police more likely to come in for "abuse and physical attacks".
"We don't want to get hurt but the nature of policing means we have to sometimes put ourselves in positions where we might get hurt.
"It's just a part of the job.
"Most of the attacks have been carried out during routine policing and the nature of policing is always working in a dangerous environment."
Last week there were two separate attacks on police officers in Dunedin, with one officer knocked unconscious after being punched in the back of the head, and another being punched repeatedly during a routine bail check.
Mr Sutton said the attacks were a reminder of just how dangerous the job could be.
"Staff are trained and receive the tools to deal with most situations but there's always that risk.
"A lot of these situations arise out of nothing.
"And that means officers will be just a bit more cautious when they approach a vehicle or a situation."
However, he said most members of the public were very supportive of police, and instances of the public helping officers were heartening.
"The police realise that we've got huge support from the public, and that means a lot to police when we see that happen.
"I'm sure most people would be more than happy to help police if they could."
Before Parliament is a bill to give judges the power to consider an attack on a police officer or prison guard as an aggravating factor at sentencing.
Officially called the Sentencing (Aggravating Factors) Amendment Bill, it was introduced to Parliament last October but is yet to have its first reading.
Mr Sutton said he welcomed anything which might deter attacks on police, but did not know what effect the bill would have if made law.
