Page 6 - WMPF Federation Oct-Nov 2018-flip

Protect the Protectors

Protecting the

Protectors - assaults

bill clears final hurdle

ssaulting a police officer will now be
punishable by up to 12 months in
A prison - with the news being
welcomed by the Police Federation of
England and Wales (PFEW).
The Assaults on Emergency Workers
(Offences) Bill was granted Royal Assent on
Thursday 13 September. The bill makes it an
aggravating factor to assault or sexually
assault a police officer or any other member
of the emergency services and is punishable
by up to 12 months in prison.
The Federation said it would like to see
the maximum sentence raised further but is
pleased the act sends a clear signal that
assaults against blue light responders will
not be tolerated.
It follows the Police Federation of
England and Wales’ Protect the Protectors
campaign.
Rich Cooke, chair of West Midlands Supporters of the Protect the Protectors campaign MPs Holly Lynch and Chris Bryant.
Police Federation, said: “This is the news we
have all been hoping and waiting for and, in very people who, day in, day out, night after “The reality is, I find it quite
my opinion, it is long overdue. night, put themselves in harm’s way to disheartening and sad that we need this sort
“This new law is there to protect the protect others. of legislation to protect officers and other

Timeline for assaults bill

1st reading: House of Commons 19 July 2017
2nd reading: House of Commons 20 October 2017
Committee Debate: House of Commons 15 November 2017
Report stage: House of Commons 27 April 2018
3rd reading: House of Commons 27 April 2018
1st reading (Hansard): House of Lords 30 April 2018
1st reading (Minutes of Proceedings): House of Lords 30 April 2018
2nd reading (Hansard): House of Lords 29 June 2018
2nd reading (Minutes of Proceedings): House of Lords 29 June 2018
Order of Commitment discharged (Hansard): House of Lords 16 July 2018
Order of Commitment discharged (Minutes of Proceedings): House of Lords 16 July 2018
3rd reading (Hansard): House of Lords 24 July 2018
3rd reading (Minutes of Proceedings): House of Lords 24 July 2018
Royal Assent: House of Lords 13 September 2018

06 federation October/November 2018 www.polfed.org/westmids