In almost all cases the person arrested is either alcohol or drug affected, or both, and officer in charge of Ararat Police Senior Sergeant Damian Ferrari said people need to start taking responsibility for their actions.

"It concerns me greatly that people being arrested will assault the police without hesitation," he said.

"It concerns me because these are the very people that are sent out every day to keep the community safe in a job that on many occasions is extremely difficult, dangerous and unpredictable.

"These same people live in the community, have families in the community and have significant expectations placed on them every time they come to work.

"If you want to consume drugs or alcohol and behave in such a manner that police have to intervene to the point where you need to be arrested, then it is time for you as an individual to take some steps to address your issues."

Police will make no apologies for the fact that if people behave in such a manner and resist or assault the police then they will face the full range of charges applicable and other appropriate sanctions, such as bail, remand and being placed on the liquor accord.

"I will not approve any concessions for people facing these sort of charges or displaying this sort of behaviour," Snr Sgt Ferrari said.

"If you have issues that you need to deal with then seek help immediately. I realise that this may not be an easy step, especially initially, but what are the consequences if you don't?

"Perhaps make use of the police for a positive reason such as assisting you to get help; we already do that many times on a daily basis."

"There are other options available to you if you have been arrested and feel that it wasn't appropriate. When appropriate seek advice from the police as to the circumstances of your arrest and behaviour and this shouldn't be when you are affected by drugs or alcohol. On many occasions I have found that when the circumstances of the arrest and incident are explained in detail to the person arrested when they are coherent and not substance affected, that sensible communication leads to a better and accepted understanding by the arrested person of the processes and procedure's undertaken by police in the circumstances."

Snr Sgt Ferrari said that every brief of evidence that is placed before the courts goes through a rigorous checking process before it is put before the courts.

He said that if a matter proceeds to court and the person charged feels that they have been unfairly placed before the courts, it is their right, if they desire, to challenge the matter at court.

Snr Sgt Ferrari said that on most occasions when police attend these types of incidents, they don't just 'turn up'; a call has been placed by a concerned citizen for police to attend.

"I would like to think that some additional respect will be shown to the police," Snr Sgt Ferrari said.

"I am not even saying you have to like the police, however there are many other options available to you rather than putting your safety and the safety of the police at risk.

"Some Operations will be run shortly, and I would like to give everyone the opportunity to understand that these operations will see an increased number of police present during these times and there will be a no tolerance approach to any sort of assaults or anti-social behaviour."