SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has thanked a Spelthorne police sergeant who successfully campaigned for a change in the law.
Lisa Townsend supported Sgt Candice Gill and Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp in lobbying the Government to close a loophole impacting frontline workers.
While it is a criminal offence to racially or religiously abuse someone in public, this previously did not extend to incidents occurring in homes.
It meant that those who visit private addresses as part of their work – including police officers, care staff and other emergency workers – had no legal protection from such attacks during home visits.
Law change
Sgt Gill battled for the law change after experiencing racial abuse in a private home.
She was supported by DCC Kemp, who capitalised on opportunities to brief ministers and wrote a number of letters, and the Commissioner, who joined a trip to Parliament to make the case for change.
Over the summer, it was confirmed that the Government will make an amendment to the law, subject to the Police and Crime Bill receiving Royal Assent later this year.
Two new offences are set to be introduced, ensuring that emergency workers are covered under the law when doing their jobs in private homes.
“Long overdue”
Lisa said: “This long-overdue change to the law would never have happened without Sgt Gill’s courage and determination.
“All too often, those who serve on the frontlines face abuse, threats, and physical violence.
“We must never accept such behaviour, and this change in legislation will make sure there is justice for all those whose work takes them into private homes, including police officers and staff, those who work in care, paramedics and firefighters.”
Sgt Gill said: “I am absolutely delighted to have heard that my proposal to have the law changed has been agreed.
Sergeant’s pride
“I hope the change will go some way into making all officers, but particularly the officers who are ethnically or religiously diverse, feel more protected and more valued while doing one of the hardest jobs out there.
“The positive impact is widespread across all police forces and other emergency services.”
DCC Kemp said the law change “is a reminder of the difference we can make with determination and teamwork”.