Proposed law change could protect officers from spitting

15 March 2017

A proposed change to the law could protect police officers from catching infectious diseases after being spat at.

Halifax MP Holly Lynch has introduced a 10-minute Bill to Parliament that aims to increase the maximum custodial sentences for assaults on police officers.

The sentencing guidelines could be amended to include spitting as an aggravating factor under the changes, and offenders could be compelled to carry out tests for infectious diseases.

Mel Warnes, Chair of Surrey Police Federation, said: “It is about protecting officers and also protecting members of the public. Saliva from people can actually carry a number of diseases and police officers and now custody staff, detention officers, nurses that we have working in our custody centres, are open to being spat at where guards are not used.

“Spitting at police officers is the most disgusting thing that somebody could do.”

Mel (pictured with Holly Lynch MP) welcomed the proposed changes, which she said would enhance police officers’ faith in the criminal justice system.
She added: “Assaults on officers just don’t seem to be recognised. Our members, police officers and all emergency service workers will have more faith in the justice system, that they can’t just be assaulted whilst they’re performing their duty.

“No one comes to work to be assaulted and they should know that the courts are going to stand up for them when they are.”