Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018
The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 is an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom which created a new offence of assaulting emergency workers. It also increased the maximum sentence for common assault against emergency workers.
The Act applies to a wide range of emergency workers, including police officers, paramedics, firefighters, prison officers, and NHS staff. Specifically, it covers:
- A person employed for the purposes of, or otherwise engaged to provide, fire and rescue services
- An individual who provides medical or care services including nurses, paramedics, doctors, etc.
- A prison officer
- A custody officer
- A person performing the functions of a detention officer
- A person employed for the purposes of, or otherwise engaged to provide, search and rescue services
- A member of staff at an A&E department of a hospital
- A person providing services as part of the NHS or equivalent body
- A police officer
The Act makes it an offence to assault an emergency worker acting in the exercise of their functions. This includes physical violence, but also other forms of assault, such as spitting or verbal abuse.
Prior to this Act, assaulting an emergency worker was often prosecuted under common assault laws, which carried a lower maximum sentence. The 2018 Act created a specific offence with a higher maximum sentence of 12 months imprisonment, demonstrating a stronger stance against such attacks. It also ensures that such offences are specifically recorded, allowing for better tracking and analysis of assaults against these vital members of society.
The Act has been debated, with some arguing that it doesn't go far enough and that tougher penalties are needed, while others worry about the potential for misuse and the impact on vulnerable individuals who may be suffering from mental health problems or other complex needs. However, the Act's stated goal is to protect those who serve the public and reduce the number of attacks they face.