The job of a police officer is never an easy one and it becomes less so when you’re likely to be assaulted while out trying to keep the law and order.

Senior Constable Wez Knights and Constable Kate Easton are police officers stationed in Bairnsdale, who both entered the force following career changes.

In his early 40s, Senior Constable Knights worked for 20 years as a plumber before deciding to join the police force.

He’s been wearing the uniform for seven years now, five of those in East Gippsland, and admits to being surprised by the amount of abuse he cops from the public.

“In my time in Bairnsdale, I would have to say the level of aggressiveness by people we come into contact with has certainly increased,” he said.

While he acknowledges police usually come into contact with people “on their worst days”, he says the increase in family violence and mental health issues places police in precarious situations.

During his time in the force, Snr Constable Knights has been kicked in the head and had “the unfortunate experience of going hands on with an offender”.

The latter experience resulted in torn ligaments in his knee, which required surgery.

“Being spat on happens a lot,” he said.

“When an offender is in handcuffs often the only weapon they feel they have left is their mouth.”

While 31-year-old Constable Easton hasn’t been physically assaulted, she’s experienced a fair amount of verbal abuse.

Constable Easton is coming up to two years in the force, having spent more than a decade in hospitality.

She admits to being shocked at how routinely police officers are abused while going about their job.

“I experienced a bit of verbal abuse in hospitality but it doesn’t compare to when you’re wearing the uniform,” she said.

Both officers realise verbal abuse and name calling often goes hand in hand with drug and alcohol abuse.

“It’s the uniform they’re yelling and spitting at, not us,” Constable Easton said.

She concedes there appears to have been a societal breakdown in people exhibiting good manners.

Snr Constable Knights is relieved the State Government has introduced legislation that requires courts to jail people who assault emergency service personnel.

“There is knowledge among the public regarding the harsher penalties,” he said, Constable Easton says she chose the police force because “I wanted a job that was exciting and offered variety and diversity“, but she didn’t necessarily factor in the abuse.

“You sort of have to have a very tough skin and an open mind,” she said.

“You have to read people so you can avoid being assaulted. “It’s always in the back of your mind to be aware of it.” Constable Easton says while she wouldn’t change her job for anything now, “sometimes it (the abuse) can affect you”.

Snr Constable Knights says he feels lucky to have “an understanding family”.

Now firmly settled in East Gippsland with two children in primary school, Snr Constable Knights says his wife is very supportive and has insight into what’s usually occurred.

“She also understands what impact it can have on me personally,” he said.

“There are days when I wonder why I do it (the job) butI look at my children when I get home and I know why I do it.”

Snr Constable Knights confesses there appears to be no simple fix to the escalation in drug and alcohol abuse but wishes people would respect the uniform when police are called out to assist.

“The rewards of this job do outweigh the danger to myself; we do make a difference to people’s lives,” he said.

According to the Crime Statistics Bureau, there were 46 assaults in East Gippsland on emergency services personnel, which includes police officers, in the 12 months to April 2019.

PICTURED: Senior Constable Wez Knights and Constable Kate Easton, of Bairnsdale Police, have both been shocked at the level of abuse they’ve encountered in the job.