New Protections Will Help Police Tackle Lawless Off-Road Bikers Without Fear of Unfair Prosecution

New protections for police officers will help them stop off-road bikers “taking the mickey” out of society, South Yorkshire Police Federation says.

Federation Chair Steve Kent said officers must now be given complete protection when carrying out their duties on the roads.

He warned “an absolute attitude change” must happen to stop police being prosecuted for doing their job.

Steve said: “It is absolutely farcical that our police officers are judged to the same standards as members of the public when we are doing our jobs.

The Chair said the public were “desperate” for officers to tackle nuisance off-road bikers, but previously the law had protected the criminals rather than police.

Steve continued: “If you ask 99% of the public, they will tell you these people who take criminal actions should not be protected over and above the risks faced by officers.

“Off-road bikers that we pretty much can’t pursue in this force or anywhere else, are literally taking the mickey out of the police and society.

“They are acting with complete impunity.”

Steve welcomed the new protection afforded to officers, saying it would empower them to have greater confidence in carrying out their duties.

He said recent high-profile cases suggested the IOPC was “going after” policing in an unjustified manner.

Steve added: “There needs to be an absolute attitude change and our officers need to be protected 100% for doing – what they think is their duty, to the best of their ability.

“Obviously there’ll always be scrutiny if an officer exceeds their powers or is reckless with their powers.

“But if they’re doing it with the honestly held belief to do the best they can, they should be protected.”