12 March 2021

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill great news for colleagues, says Federation

A new Government Bill will double the maximum penalty for offenders who assault police officers and offer more protection in the courts for police drivers.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was unveiled in Parliament on Tuesday.

Chair of Dorset Police Federation Anna Harvey said when the new Bill becomes law – expected to be this autumn – it will be really good news for colleagues.

She said: “As a Federation we’ve been campaigning for many years to get better protection for our trained police drivers and it’s really good news for our members that at last we will get some recognition in law.

“Officers get excellent training, and they are able to drive in a safe manner to respond to urgent calls to protect the members of the public.

“I also welcome the news of the doubling of sentencing for assaulting emergency workers, however we need to see a change in the judges’ guidelines to allow them to fully use this extra sentencing.

“What we need is some positive news and actually see sentences being handed down and I think we’re going to have to wait for this to happen until this bill has passed through the houses.”

Anna shared a warm welcome to Specials being able to join the Police Federation of England and Wales.

She said: “Specials are a part of the policing family they have been for years, I’m really happy that they can finally join the Police Federation.

“They do a fantastic job supporting regular members so it’s only right that we offer them the same protection they deserve and support.

“During the pandemic we’ve witnessed Specials stepping up and really making a difference so now we can protect them as well from various procedures.

“I really hope the PCC’s across the country will continue to show support and pay into the specials membership for the Police Federation.”

The Bill will also introduce the Police Covenant.