South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Zuleika Payne is determined to remain positive about the chances of the Assaults on Emergency Services (Offences) Bill providing proper protection for police officers.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s despite claims that the bill has been \u2018watered down\u2019, especially around the likely sentences courts will be able to hand out to offenders.<\/p>\n
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The bill, originally proposed by MP Chris Bryant, passed its report stage in Parliament earlier in May.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s now due to be read at The House of Lords.<\/p>\n
Some police figures have said that it won\u2019t go far enough to protect emergency workers.<\/p>\n
As is stands, officers will get added protection against sexual assaults under the terms of the bill, but the longest-term offenders can receive for common assault will remain at just 12 months.<\/p>\n
Zuleika says that changes and delays to the bill have been frustrating, but she still hopes to see a positive outcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a fait accompli yet,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the fact that people are exploring the finer detail is frustrating, however we mustn\u2019t get disheartened, hopefully we can take some encouragement from this as we seek a positive outcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy assaulting an emergency services worker you are attacking the uniform and someone who has elected to carry out that role for the benefit of society.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you look at the sentences handed out for assault in general terms then of course assaulting a member of the emergency services shouldn\u2019t receive a lesser sentence – as public servants we should be offered better protection.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just hope that those in positions of power do what is right and honourable for police officers and all emergency service workers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zuleika welcomed other aspects of the bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s obviously good news about the protection being afforded around sexual assaults,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s indicative of the times we live in – police officers are increasingly vulnerable, not only because of the type of incidents they are attending but because of dwindling numbers too.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnything we can do to protect police officers has to be a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n