Changes in the rules that unfairly denied members compensation for injuries suffered in the line of duty are long overdue, says North Wales Police Federation secretary Lewis Davies.

Lewis welcomed the new guidance, issued by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) following lobbying by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

PFEW raised concerns that many injuries sustained while detaining or restraining offenders were not recognised as resulting from a ‘crime of violence’, nor as involving ‘exceptional risk’.

This meant police officers were effectively excluded from claims despite the clear danger and harm involved in their work.

Branch secretary Lewis Davies

The updated guidance now makes clear that when a police officer is injured by someone violently resisting arrest or restraint, decision-makers must fully consider whether the offender’s actions amount to a crime of violence. This includes cases involving recklessness

Lewis said: “With violent assaults on our members rising significantly, this is an important and long overdue change in the guidance.

“For too long, officers injured while bravely protecting the public have felt invisible under outdated rules.

Clearer guidance

“Thanks to PFEW and its partners, we now have fairer, clearer guidance that properly acknowledges the dangers of policing.”

The amendments follow collaborative work by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) and the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS).

They presented detailed case evidence to the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office showing how the previous rules had unfairly excluded many injured officers.

Lewis added: “This change represents a real success story on behalf of our members.”

Evidence

Belinda Goodwin, PFEW National Board member, said: “This is an important win for our members and all emergency workers. Too often, officers injured protecting the public were told their injuries didn’t count under the rules. That was plainly unfair.

"Thanks to our pressure and evidence, that wrong has been put right. The guidance finally recognises the real-world risks our members face every day and ensures they can access the compensation they deserve when things go wrong.”

Andy Rhodes, director of the NPWS, said: “This change reflects a shared understanding that our people face danger and trauma as part of their duty to protect others.

“The updated guidance rightly acknowledges that reality. I’m grateful to all who engaged constructively to make this happen: it’s a great example of collaboration in action for the good of those who serve.”