Page 7 - WMPF Federation Magazine February / March 2018

one of our officers or staff, the court “ All too often police officers and staff are

and staff should be tolerated, they are not
‘part of the job’.”

He added: “When it comes to prosecuting
subjected to assaults and threats. While
suspects, we have been working closely with
CPS in our region. We will be making sure
that, for each prosecution of an assault on
understands the impact this has on us, our the severity of such attacks changes,
the impact upon society does not. It is
families, our workplace and the policing of
the West Midlands.”
In launching the new initiative, the Force never acceptable to assume that
drew attention to the case of PC Emma Agyei
who was assaulted in May 2017 after being assaults upon police officers and staff
called to a domestic incident on Chapel
Street, Bradley. Footage from her body-cam
shows the moment she is forced to the floor should be tolerated, they are not ‘part
by a 24-year-old man who beats her and rips
out a large chunk of her hair. of the job’.
Emma’s attacker pleaded guilty to “
assault and was given a 12-week suspended
sentence.
In the last three years 2,336 assaults on
police officers have been recorded. Of these, 89 were PCSOs and 131 were custody staff. more staff welfare support services, he has
Between April and December 2017, 669 backed the Police Federation’s Protect the
assaults on West Midlands officers and Protectors campaign and overseen the
staff were recorded. As a result, 356 days introduction of spit guards, body-worn video
were lost as they recovered from their and double-shot Taser to help with officer
injuries with a cost equivalent to around safety.
£65,000 sick pay. Police and Crime Commissioner David
“The figures are unacceptable and we Jamieson has supported Mr Thompson. He
must work harder as a Force to protect our said: “I am pleased that the Chief Constable is
officers and staff,” the Chief explained, “No getting tough on these unacceptable crimes.
officer or member of staff should come to The police protect the public, it is therefore
work and accept that being assaulted or important we protect our officers, PCSOs and
abused is simply part of the job. staff too.
“As a victim of crime, they will be “Officers and staff should not have to put
offered the same service any member of up with violence and assaults whilst keeping
the public would expect. As an employer, the public safe. West Midlands Police takes
we’re doing the right thing and adding in assaults against its staff and officers
an additional layer of support.” incredibly seriously. The Force will do all in its
Mr Thompson became Chief Constable power to bring those who commit such
in January 2016 and pledged to do more on crimes to justice.”
PC Emma Agyei and Chief Constable Dave staff wellbeing. As well as introducing
Thompson.

MPs back bill to protect police officers

A new bill that will bring better protection against an emergency worker in the
for police officers and emergency service performance of their duties
workers has also received unanimous l Compel those suspected of assault
support from MPs. - including spitting - who may pose a
The support came during the second health risk to undergo blood tests
reading of the Assaults on Emergency l Make it an offence to refuse to
Workers (Offences) Private Members’ Bill, undergo such tests, and
introduced by Labour MP Chris Bryant. l Lay down tough sentences for those
It is hoped the bill will progress to convicted of these new offences.
statute by Easter.
The bill will:
l Introduce new offences including
wounding or assault when perpetrated

www.westmidspolfed.com federation February/March 2018 07