Police Assaults on the Decline

Member for Jandakot Joe Francis has welcomed the continuing decline in assaults on WA Police officers with recent figures indicating a 6 per cent decrease in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2009 in the South Metropolitan Police District.

The result was above and beyond the state wide drop of nearly 30 per cent in the first year following the introduction of mandatory sentencing of serious assaults against police officers in September 2009.

“Government members supported these laws because we thought there was a need for a cultural shift in the way some members of the public behave towards police officers,” Mr Francis said.

“These laws send a very clear message - if you are found guilty of harming a police officer, you will go to jail.

“Despite some alarmist claims from those who opposed these laws when they were debated in Parliament, there has not been one case which has resulted in unjust or unfair outcomes and instead the laws have been a victory for common sense.”

Mr Francis said the WA Greens were now seeking to introduce a bill which would unnecessarily water down the mandatory sentencing legislation.

“Our Government has monitored these laws closely and not only have they been applied very cautiously but they have resulted in massive declines in assaults against our police officers throughout the State,” he said.

 “I hope the Labor Party will listen to community sentiment and join with the Government in rejecting that bill.

“The community is sick to death of violence in our community and we all expect that when offences occur, the punishment courts impose will reflect this.

“If members of the public have a view about crime and sentencing, I urge them to contact me as I will work with the Attorney General and Minister for Police to ensure those views are taken into account.”