A new law offering greater legal protection for emergency service workers is being welcomed in West Mercia as new figures show that there were 579 assaults against police in the last year.

The Assaults on Emergency Workers Bill is expected to become law this autumn, following support in parliament. It will make certain offences aggravated when committed against emergency workers, giving courts the power to impose stronger sentences. It will also mean officers will be better protected from health risks as offenders who commit offences, such as spitting, will commit a further offence if they refuse to provide a sample for medical testing.

As part of his Behind the Badge campaign, PCC John Campion has backed the legislation from the start. He has campaigned extensively for more to be done at a national level to tackle violence against police.

Commissioner John Campion said: “This is a mammoth step and fantastic news for all emergency workers. I am pleased to see the government taking this seriously by passing this legislation which will protect police officers and other emergency workers and act as a deterrent for those who would commit these offences. We mustn’t forget that behind the badge, police officers and other emergency workers are ordinary people doing extraordinary jobs. I look forward to seeing the positive impact the passing of this bill will have.”

West Mercia Police Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Wessell said: “Our men and women are out in our communities day and night, often dealing with very difficult and challenging situations and putting themselves in harm’s way. They certainly do not deserve to be subject to abuse, threats or assaults and I very much welcome the additional protection that this new bill gives them.”

For more information please visit the website: www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk