Changes in the rules which unfairly denied officers compensation for injuries received in the line of duty have been welcomed by South Wales Police Federation.
Under the previous Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) guidance, many claims for compensation were turned down because officers’ injuries were not deemed to be the result of ‘a crime of violence’, and did not involve ‘exceptional risk’.
The updated guidance now makes clear that when a police officer is injured by someone violently resisting arrest or restraint, decision-makers must fully consider whether the offender’s actions amount to a crime of violence. This includes cases involving recklessness.
South Wales Police Federation chair Phil Walker described the changes as ‘long overdue’ and said the guidance was now more reflective of the ‘reality of policing’.
Phil said: “Far too often we have seen cases where members have suffered injuries in the line of duty, some quite serious, only to be told they don’t qualify for compensation because the behaviour wasn’t classed as a ‘crime of violence’.
“That interpretation never reflected the reality of policing. Surely that describes any attack on an officer or an incident of physically resisting arrest.
Incidents
“Every day, our members are dealing with incidents that put them at risk of being hurt by physical or reckless behaviour.
“This new guidance is long overdue in recognising that, and I welcome that our members are now going to be treated more fairly.”
The amendments follow collaborative work by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) and the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS).
They presented detailed case evidence to the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office showing how the previous rules had unfairly excluded many injured officers. The revised guidance was published earlier this month.
Phil said: “I applaud the work of PFEW. This is a great example of what can be achieved when we work with partners to challenge unfairness on behalf of our members.”
Unfair
Belinda Goodwin, PFEW National Board member, said: “This is an important win for our members and all emergency workers. Too often, officers injured protecting the public were told their injuries didn’t ‘count’ under the rules. That was plainly unfair.
“Thanks to our pressure and evidence, that wrong has been put right. The guidance finally recognises the real-world risks our members face every day and ensures they can access the compensation they deserve when things go wrong.”
Andy Rhodes, director of the NPWS, said: “This change reflects a shared understanding that our people face danger and trauma as part of their duty to protect others.
“The updated guidance rightly acknowledges that reality. I’m grateful to all who engaged constructively to make this happen: it’s a great example of collaboration in action for the good of those who serve.”
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