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21 April 2005 - Scottish Police Federation
Concerned Over Unpunished Police Attacks
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The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) Conference, which took
place yesterday, (Wednesday), attended by around 500 delegates, unanimously
backed a call to condemn the "apparent lack of concern" over the prosecution of
attacks to police officers, whilst carrying out their duties.
The criminal justice system in Scotland was condemned at their
treating of police attacks as "a hazard of the job".
Some statistical findings which were discussed at the conference
were as follows:
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In 2004, there were more than 8,000 recorded assaults against
the police in Scotland.
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Assaults to police officers increased from 3,612 in 2003, to
3,896 in 2004.
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Fines issued for police assaults were considerably less than
similar crimes.
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Almost half assaults on frontline staff go unpunished.
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In Strathclyde, figures for 2003 show 44% of assaults to police
brought before the courts result in failed convictions.
A Spokeswoman from The Crown Office said:
"The Crown recognises that in providing front-line services
to the public, the police are often placed in difficult and dangerous
situations. The Crown is, and will remain, determined to prosecute serious
assaults against police officers."
A Scottish Executive Spokeswoman also commented:
"Assaults on police are unacceptable and will not be
tolerated. Police officers will be protected by the Emergency Workers Bill’s
provisions whenever they are on duty."
In December 2004, the new Emergency Workers (Scotland) Bill was
passed, making it an offence to assault, obstruct or hinder emergency workers.
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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