The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is deeply concerned by reports of two ACT Policing officers sustaining injuries while on duty, protecting the ACT community.
AFPA President Alex Caruana emphasised the dangers of policing, highlighting the significant physical and emotional toll it takes on officers.
“Over the weekend, several ACT Policing officers were assaulted by individuals resisting arrest, resulting in one officer suffering a broken leg and another sustaining a hand injury.
“As a result, these officers cannot perform operational duties until they recover, taking two valuable ACT Policing officers off the street. The alleged offenders have been charged accordingly and will face court later.
“Our thoughts are with the injured officers, and we wish them a swift recovery. The AFPA stands ready to support them in any way possible,” Mr. Caruana said.
The AFPA urges the ACT judiciary to take these incidents seriously and impose appropriate sentences if the alleged offenders are found guilty and convicted.
Mr Caruana expressed frustration over recent sentencing outcomes for assaults against frontline service providers, stating they fail to act as a deterrent and don’t portray the seriousness of assaulting a police officer or frontline service provider.
“Recent sentences have been demoralising and morale-sapping for ACT Policing members. Many within the ACT judiciary fail to recognise police officers as victims. When an officer sustains a brain injury, and the offender is found guilty and receives no recorded conviction, it is simply unacceptable.
“Even more concerning is that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) chose not to appeal this case. If the DPP is unwilling to advocate for police officers, then perhaps the AFP and ACT Policing should consider appointing police prosecutors to ensure their members’ safety and interests are properly protected,” Mr. Caruana said.
The AFPA will continue to push for Commonwealth legislation that will see mandatory sentencing applicable for people who are convicted of assaulting a Commonwealth law enforcement officer.
For comments:
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
The Australian Federal Police Association (AFPA) is deeply concerned by reports of two ACT Policing officers sustaining injuries while on duty, protecting the ACT community.
AFPA President Alex Caruana emphasised the dangers of policing, highlighting the significant physical and emotional toll it takes on officers.
“Over the weekend, several ACT Policing officers were assaulted by individuals resisting arrest, resulting in one officer suffering a broken leg and another sustaining a hand injury.
“As a result, these officers cannot perform operational duties until they recover, taking two valuable ACT Policing officers off the street. The alleged offenders have been charged accordingly and will face court later.
“Our thoughts are with the injured officers, and we wish them a swift recovery. The AFPA stands ready to support them in any way possible,” Mr. Caruana said.
The AFPA urges the ACT judiciary to take these incidents seriously and impose appropriate sentences if the alleged offenders are found guilty and convicted.
Mr Caruana expressed frustration over recent sentencing outcomes for assaults against frontline service providers, stating they fail to act as a deterrent and don’t portray the seriousness of assaulting a police officer or frontline service provider.
“Recent sentences have been demoralising and morale-sapping for ACT Policing members. Many within the ACT judiciary fail to recognise police officers as victims. When an officer sustains a brain injury, and the offender is found guilty and receives no recorded conviction, it is simply unacceptable.
“Even more concerning is that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) chose not to appeal this case. If the DPP is unwilling to advocate for police officers, then perhaps the AFP and ACT Policing should consider appointing police prosecutors to ensure their members’ safety and interests are properly protected,” Mr. Caruana said.
The AFPA will continue to push for Commonwealth legislation that will see mandatory sentencing applicable for people who are convicted of assaulting a Commonwealth law enforcement officer.
For comments:
AFPA Media and Government Relations Manager Troy Roberts – (02) 6285 1677 – troy.r@afpa.org.au
