Police union calls on government to remove suspended sentences when perpetrators found guilty of attacking police

The police union is calling for harsher penalties against convicted perpetrators of police assaults with the government making a surprising response.

People found guilty of attacking police would not be eligible for a suspended prison sentence and face tougher bail conditions, under a proposal the state government is considering.

The Police Association of South Australia is calling for harsher penalties for offenders who show a “willingness to endanger” officers following a spate of violent attacks against law enforcers.

In a letter to Attorney-General, Kyam Maher, association president Wade Burns urged the government to ensure thugs who assault police face the consequences.

In the union’s proposal – which the Attorney-General said he was “considering” – judges would be prevented from imposing a suspended jail term for anyone found guilty of assaulting an on-duty officer.

The association also wants a reversal of a presumption of bail for accused attackers, who face a judge for the first time after being charged with assaulting a cop. Alleged perpetrators would be classed as a “prescribed applicant” meaning they must show a court special reasons why they should be granted bail.

Police Association president Wade Burns asking the government to remove the possibility of a suspension for a person who is convicted of causing harm to an officer. Picture: Supplied

The proposals emerged after an anti-vaxxer scalped a pregnant police officer in the CBD, and in another incident a female colleague was allegedly attacked during a horrific sword confrontation.

Latest official crime statistics reveal an almost 50 per cent rise in assaults on police officers – from 404 attacks in 2021 to 597 in the 10 months to November last year.

Mr Burns said the nature of the offenders who attack officers, demonstrates “an antagonistic attitude towards law enforcement” and “a willingness to endanger the lives of others”.

Mr Burns said some of the latest incidents that have come under public scrutiny have been “particularly violent” and have left police officers with “serious” injuries.

“Recently, a female member was allegedly attacked with a sword while attending a domestic disturbance in Port Augusta … the member sustained extensive injuries to her hand, arm, and finger and required emergency reconstructive surgery,” he said.

“On Christmas Eve in an alleged attack another member sustained leg injuries after being run over by an offender in Tailem Bend.”

Mr Burns said it would be alleged the accused had been driving erratically, with a smashed windscreen and no registration plates. It is alleged the offender had two firearms inside the vehicle.

“Although police understand their jobs will expose them to violence, the onus is still on parliamentarians to provide protection to police officers by implementing law reform.”

Mr Maher’s spokeswoman said the government was “considering the proposals”.

“The government stands ready to address any gap in the legislation identified by this appeal,” she said.

Raina Jane Cruise appears at Adelaide Court after she assaulted a pregnant police officer. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt.

Injuries sustained by SA Police Constable Anthea Beck, inflicted by Raina Jane Cruise. Picture: District Court registry

“Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect the South Australian community and they deserve to be protected at work.”

Raina Jane Cruise was last year allowed to walk free with a suspended sentence after she was found guilty of intentionally causing harm to Constable Anthea Beck in 2021.

Her three-year and eight month jail term was suspended to allow her to seek mental health help.

Mr Burns said this decision made “South Australian police officers believe they are not supported or valued” and left them asking “why put yourself in harm’s way if courts and politicians will continue to allow violent and dangerous offenders to walk the streets?”.

Originally published as Police union calls on government to remove suspended sentences when perpetrators found guilty of attacking police