Police support proposed change to sentencing for assaults on police officers

Assaults against police officers are a major concern and we are pleased to see the proposed change to the Sentencing Act to make assaults on officers an aggravating factor at sentencing said Deputy Commissioner Operations Rob Pope.

"Our staff are called upon to deal with a wide variety of situations, some of them violent and dangerous, to maintain law and order and provide a safe environment in the community."


Police staff make over 5 million contacts with the public each year. The potential for injury is always present.

In the last four years the number of assaults on Police staff has increased by a third with serious assaults increased by 28 per cent.

"The inclusion of assaults on officers as an aggravating factor when sentencing will send a clear message that society will not tolerate assaults on those who are there to provide protection and security to our communities," said Mr Pope.