Page 7 - Insight Issue 2 _ 2018

In the second half of 2018 in Merseyside we have events
we already know about and are in advanced stages of WARNING
planning such as the Labour Party Conference, The Giants,
and Operation Banger. We are constantly speaking with
the FRU to ensure minimal disruption is caused to home DUE TO THE CURRENT
life balance and shift changes working within the VSA and
Police Regulations which as you can imagine is testing at WORKLOAD, THE LIGHT
times. AT THE END OF THE

Conference this year highlighted the pressures policing is TUNNEL HAS BEEN
under especially detectives, and provided updates on bills SWITCHED OFF
going through Parliament regarding emergency workers
being assaulted and driving.
If you compare this to the new Animal Cruelty law which
The PFEW had been lobbying for an assault on an increases the maximum sentence from 6 months to 5
emergency worker to carry a maximum sentence of 24 years yet an emergency worker is not fully supported.
months in prison. This proposal was not accepted, with
the Government maintaining its original proposal of a 12 I’ll let you come to your own decisions with regards to
months maximum sentence for this new offence. what some of our MP’s think about us.

However, Magistrates are unable to impose this increased It was also the first opportunity for the new Home
tariff as their sentencing powers are limited to six months. Secretary to address the Police Federation. His address is
In order to change that the government would need to what perhaps could be expected from him given Mr Javid
enact another piece of legislation which has been sitting had only been in post for 3 weeks but early noises made
dormant on the statute books since 2003. If that does not by him as head of the home office were reassuring, but
happen the 12 month maximum would only be available from memory we’ve heard it all before and the proof of
for those offenders sentenced at a Crown Court. the pudding is in the eating. Let’s see if he delivers?

Our Fantastic Five: Merseyside Police Officers PCs Neil Clark, Wayne Hargreaves, Joshua Leach, Andrew
Kinsey and Steven McAllister at Downing Street today for the Police Bravery Awards - after rescuing a man
from a submerged car

Insight Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation - Issue 2 of 2018 • www.merpolfed.org.uk 7