How can we keep enforcement agents safe?

Anecdotal evidence from CIVEA indicates that assaults on enforcement agents (EAs) have increased since the pandemic with, on average, five assaults a day.

In 2024, the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) commissioned research into EA visits using randomly selected body worn video footage. Of the 648 visits with an interaction, 15 (2.3%) included physical and/or verbal aggression towards the EA, threats to stab or set dogs on agents, shouting, pushing, swearing and slamming doors.

The ECB now requires data on assaults on EAs and threats of assault in the six-monthly returns submitted by enforcement companies. It is expected that the ECB will report on findings in the second half of 2025.

Protection measures

Body worn video cameras and stab vests are essential, as is training on conflict management, to quickly identify rising tension and know how to deescalate it to prevent verbal or physical violence.

As well as conflict management training, we also train our agents to be aware of their environment to avoid putting themselves in a vulnerable position, such as when clamping a vehicle.

Sharing data about a potentially violent debtor with the local authority is also vitally important, so this can be added to their potentially violent register.

This information can be used to avoid assaults on council staff and alert any enforcement company visiting that person in the future, so that preventative measures can be taken, such as sending two EAs.

Consequences of an assault for a debtor

It is an offence under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, Schedule 12, s68, to obstruct an EA enforcing a warrant or writ.

Upon summary conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for up to 51 weeks, a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale, or both.

In addition, s156 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 creates a statutory aggravating factor, which must be considered by courts when an assault offence has been committed against someone providing a public service, performing a public duty, or providing services, goods or facilities to the public.

How can local authorities support enforcement companies?

When there is an assault on an EA which leads to charges and a trial, the local authority will greatly assist by providing detail of the case background and evidence surrounding the instruction.

In collaboration with the police National Business Crime Centre, CIVEA publishes a framework for employers and advice on completing an evidence form.