Federation welcomes plans to review maximum jail time for those who assault emergency service workers

13 July 2020

Plans to double the maximum jail term for criminals who assault police officers and other emergency workers to two years are being considered by the Government.

Just two years ago, a previous law change doubled the maximum term from six months to 12 in England and Wales.

Ministers have launched a consultation on the issue.

Neil Mennie, Chairman of Kent Police Federation, said: “The COVID pandemic has resulted in a number of voices being raised in condemning assaults on ourselves and emergency service colleagues. This started with a number of coughing and spitting incidents in an attempt to ‘weaponise’ the virus in disgusting behaviour.

“Then followed disorder where many officers were hurt and injured that was well publicised in the Metropolitan Police area and again drew condemnation from many quarters. In reality however these are the more widely reported ‘tip of the iceberg’ events that in reality are daily occurrence’s in policing.

“I have just looked at the assault numbers reported to us for last week and for one week. There will be a story behind every one - and they do vary in circumstance - but 21 incidents including spitting, punching and kicking makes for grim reading.

“There may be many reasons why we still see too many assaults on our members, but one element we should be able to control are the consequences of doing so.”

Neil added: “This consultation is welcome as are the words of support from the Government but these must be translated into action. The previous Protect The Protectors law has had some impact and we are seeing some decent sentences but they are applied in an inconsistent way. Sentencing is a complex issue and can leave a sense of frustration when the sentence appears not to ‘fit the crime’

“An increase in the maximum sentence would of course be positive but we must see consistent delivery if this is going to act as a deterrent.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said doubling the jail time to two years would send a "clear and simple message" that "vile thugs" would not get away with such "appalling behaviour".

"Our police officers, firefighters and other emergency workers go above and beyond every single day - running towards danger to protect us all," she said.

"They are our frontline heroes who put their lives on the line every single day to keep us safe, and yet some despicable individuals still think it's acceptable to attack, cough or spit at these courageous public servants."

John Apter, Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “The Police Federation has been relentless in pushing for an increase in maximum jail sentences for those who attack emergency workers.

“However, any further increases in sentencing could be meaningless without the full support of the Courts. This should include consistency of sentencing, which is not the case at this time.

“That is why the Police Federation has been working closely alongside the Sentencing Council to reform sentencing guidelines, bring these up to date, and make them fit for purpose.

“Assaulting a police officer is completely unacceptable and there must be a suitable deterrent. I accept there will always be times where an offender does not receive a custodial sentence. However, this must be the exception and not the norm.”