New crime bill to toughen existing criminal laws
A new Police and Crime Bill which includes plans to extend the length of time serious offenders serve in prison and harsher sentences for those who attack police officers has been welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson.
Yesterday (09/03), the Government introduced the wide-ranging Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill into Parliament which is expected to secure Royal Assent by the end of 2021.
The joint Bill between the Home Office and Ministry of Justice includes:
- Whole Life Orders (WLOs) for the premeditated murder of a child
- Life sentences for drivers who kill
- Scrapping of automatic early release for serious violent and sexual offenders
- Use of video and audio technology in criminal courts
- Reform pre-charge bail to better protect vulnerable victims and witnesses
- Increase the maximum sentence from 12 months to two years for anyone who assaults an emergency worker
- Allow Special Constables to join the Police Federation (union).
Angus Macpherson said: "I am pleased to see this Bill introduced to Parliament and hopefully it will see a trouble free passage through to Royal Assent later this year.
"Its potential wide-ranging powers will see the increase in the protection of victims of crime and our officers, including other emergency service workers, from violence as well as strengthening several sentences.
"I also welcome the proposed scrapping of the automatic halfway release for serious offenders - if passed, those incarcerated will have to serve at least two-thirds of their sentence. Automatic release will also stop for those who pose a danger to the public."
Referring to specific issues surrounding the planned building of a tunnel under Stonehenge, Angus added: "It's good to see plans to increase police powers to tackle unauthorised encampments so it would be easier for officers to remove people illegally camped on public or private land.
"I know we are a long way off the building of the tunnel under this ancient world monument, but a law which would help the police deal with the inevitable protests surrounding this controversial new road can only be a good thing."
The continued modernisation of the court system is one of Angus's key aims, accepting that a more efficient legal service can only serve victim, offender and the public well.
He said: "Since the start of lockdown last year, courts have had to up their game using video and audio technology in criminal proceedings - that has to continue and be built upon; for example, allowing more participants to give evidence remotely. We must continue to embrace the future world of tech to make the judicial process slicker."
In relation to supporting police volunteers, Angus added: "I have always thought Special Constables deserve the same protection as their fulltime colleagues and so welcome the consideration that they will be allowed to join the policing union. My only question is, who will pay for their subscriptions? Specials are unpaid, so is it fair to expect them to have to pay the same as a salaried officer?"