The police union believe officers are facing more serious violent attacks on the street.

A report by the Police Association has highlighted the dangers of the job with kicks to the head, attacks with weapons and being run over by fleeing drivers.

Police Association president Chris Cahill told Mike Hosking it's the unprovoked attacks that catch officers unaware that are the problem.

"When you are dealing with people you know that are dangerous, you are often more prepared."

LISTEN ABOVE AS CHRIS CAHILL SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING