THE delay in the second reading of a bill which could help protect police drivers from unfair prosecution is a \u2018real blow\u2019 according to South Yorkshire Police Federation.<\/p>\n
The Emergency Response Drivers (Protections) Bill was due to be heard and debated by MPs last month.<\/p>\n
But it now won\u2019t be read until July 6th meaning South Yorkshire Police drivers are still at risk of being prosecuted for incidents that happen while in pursuit and even on other routine driving duties.<\/p>\n
Calling the delay \u2018frustrating\u2019, South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Zuleika Payne wants to ensure that officers\u2019 extra training is recognised in law.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s come as a real blow,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd it\u2019s frustrating for everyone concerned. At the end of the day we are just trying to protect the public, protect life and protect property, so anything which can help frontline officers to achieve this has to be a good thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why this bill is important \u2013 to stop officers being criminalised for just doing their job. Police drivers aren\u2019t just DoT (Dept of Transport) licence holders, they receive specific training, that has to be understood and recognised.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Police Federation of England and Wales has been campaigning on the issue for months. Pursuits Lead Tim Rogers called the delay \u2018devastating\u2019 but has vowed to fight on for members.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are our members and fellow emergency response drivers to do in the meantime?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow many more lives could be ruined going through lengthy legal proceedings \u2013 ultimately criminalising officers for just doing their job?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means officers are trying to do their jobs with \u2018one hand tied behind their back.\u2019<\/p>\n
For Zuleika it\u2019s also about ensuring South Yorkshire communities are aware of the problems officers face.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe underlying issue here for operational frontline officers is obviously the concern and potential fear of criticism,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs far as the communities are concerned, the very people that we\u2019re trying to serve, there has to be a degree of understanding as to what it is officers are trying to achieve.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we don\u2019t want to see is officers being criminalised, but we also don\u2019t want to see officers coming under attack and being criticised for not being prompt and swift in their endeavours and attempts to serve the public.\u201d<\/p>\n