Page 9 - WMPF Federation Dec2018-flip_Neat

Protect the Protectors

success as assaults

act comes into effect

ny assault on a police officer is an
attack on society itself, says West
A Midlands Police Federation chair
Rich Cooke.
Rich made the comment as new
legislation setting out tougher sentences
for those who attack police and other Wales has also welcomed the new act but
emergency service workers came into effect. acknowledges it did not get everything it
The Assaults on Emergency Workers wanted from the Protect the Protectors
(Offences) Act creates a new aggravated campaign. It wants even tougher sentences,
offence of an assault against a member of as a stronger deterrent, as well as a wider
the emergency services and doubles the roll-out of Taser, body-worn video and spit
maximum sentence for these attacks from and bite guards, all of which it feels will offer
six to 12 months. better protection to officers. The Federation
The new law follows the Police is also calling for appropriate levels of
Federation’s nationwide Protect the staffing.
Protectors campaign. West Midlands Police National Federation chair John Apter
Federation was a key supporter of the says: “I hope that this legislation will also
campaign and took a number of its help to change a culture which has
members to Parliament to talk to MPs about developed within society that it is acceptable
the effects of being assaulted while on duty. West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich to assault an emergency worker. Let me be
“We are pleased to see this new Cooke. clear, it is not.
legislation in place,” says Rich, “It is a the vulnerable, in return they should not be “Nobody should be assaulted just
significant step forward and should make it seen as society’s punchbags. because of the uniform they wear or the job
clear that attacks against our members – “This new law sends out a clear signal they do, to assault an emergency worker is
and other emergency service workers – will that those who attack blue light workers will totally unacceptable and there must be
not be tolerated. face tougher sentences. But there is still consequences for those who commit such
“For far too long, officers have come to work to do. We need to see the Crown crimes.”
accept being kicked and punched is part of Prosecution Service and the courts make full Home Secretary Sajid Javid added: “At a
the job. But it should not be. Police officers use of the powers they are being given under time when our brave police officers and staff
are committed to serving their the act.” are working tirelessly to crack down on
“ emergency service workers.

violence, I find it despicable that some
The Police Federation of England and
communities, fighting crime and protecting
people think it is acceptable to assault
For far too long, officers have come to accept
“This act ensures judges can come down

being kicked and punched is part of the job.
hard on these cowardly individuals and
makes clear that we are committed to
But it should not be. Police officers are
protecting those who protect us.”
The Federation’s Protect the Protectors

committed to serving their communities,
campaign was launched at Parliament in
February 2017 in connection with a Ten
fighting crime and protecting the vulnerable, Minute Rule Bill introduced by Halifax MP
Holly Lynch. Having joined PC Craig Gallant
in return they should not be seen as society’s on patrol in West Yorkshire in summer 2016,
Ms Lynch dialled 999 after witnessing the
punchbags. single-crewed officer being surrounded by a
hostile crowd.
www.polfed.org/westmids federation December 2018/January 2019 09
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