August 2, 2018 12.38 pm This story is over 67 months old

Lincolnshire PCC wants new officer protection law passed quickly

It will double the sentences courts can impose
Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones. Photo: The Lincolnite

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones is calling for tougher punishments as a new law to protect officers awaits to be passed.

As previously reported, some 90 Lincolnshire Police officers have been assaulted whilst on duty this year, with offences including punching, spitting, biting and head-butting — and 28 people have been charged.

Marc Jones wrote to all the county’s MPs urging support of the new Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill earlier this year.

The new law, which will double the sentences courts can impose on offenders, passed a third reading in the House of Lords last week and now awaits Royal Assent.

Marc Jones said: “Attacks on the women and men who put their lives in the line to keep us safe are despicable and the government deserve credit for helping the legislation get to this point.

“The quicker this bill can get Royal Assent the quicker our courts can hand out the kind of tough punishments that send a clear message these attacks on front-line officers will not be tolerated.

“If we are to keep our communities safe then we must protect those who protect us.”

90 police officers assaulted this year already