4 NT police officers ‘assaulted’: outcry for tougher penalties

FOUR police force members have allegedly been assaulted in two separate incidents in Alice Springs prompting calls for the NT government to cut the spin and bring in tougher penalties for attacks on police officers.

Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) President Paul McCue has called for tougher penalties on people who assault police. Picture: Che Chorley

FOUR Territory police force members have allegedly been assaulted in two separate incidents in Alice Springs prompting calls for the NT government to cut the spin and bring in tougher penalties for attacks on police officers.

Police said in the first incident a 43 year-old male became aggressive towards police before allegedly assaulting three members.

Police were attending a residence for a welfare check.

They said one of the police officers received injuries to his face and was taken to Alice Springs Hospital for assessment.

“The 43 year-old male was arrested and is currently in police custody, where he is later expected to be charged with assaulting the police officers,” a NT police media spokesman said.

“This was a cowardly act towards police members that had attended to assist the male. This type of despicable behaviour towards our police members will not be tolerated.”

Four officers assaulted in the line of duty. Photograph: Che Chorley

NT Police Association president Paul McCue agreed and said it was beyond time for the NT government to end its tolerance by introducing tougher penalties for attacks on NT police.

Mr McCue said on top of the allegedly violent incident involving the three officers there was another volatile incident at the Alice Springs police station where an auxiliary was allegedly spat on and verbally abused. Police have confirmed the incident.

He said the Territory government has continually failed to make any significant change in tougher sentencing for assaults on frontline workers.

“Territory police officers being assaulted in a horrific manner is becoming all too common and there must be a strong message from the NT government to anyone who attacks a police officer,” Mr McCue said.

“The government has failed to take any action despite our concern over many years.

“The membership doesn’t believe the government is supporting them. We have been lobbying government for many years around assaults on police and it has a very clear understanding of what we have been seeking. That’s increasing the sentencing provisions to make it a tougher penalty for assaulting a frontline worker, particularly our police.

“The number one thing any employee wants is to know they are supported in the workplace. The government employs police and they need to know the government has their back when they are being assaulted and right now that doesn’t seem to be the case.

“It needs more than just words, it needs real action.”

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Police Minister Nicole Manison said the NT government was establishing a working group with the NTPA to review penalties for assaults on police.

“Anyone who assaults a police officer or emergency service worker in the Territory will face tough consequences,” Ms Manison said.

CLP Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro speaks to the Media at NT Parliament House. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro supported Mr McCue’s call for tougher penalties.

“We want to see criminals who attack frontline workers condemned and dealt with in the strongest possible terms … there must be a strong deterrent so would-be-offenders know there are serious consequences for these crimes. Penalties for offences against police must be strengthened – enough is enough.”

A comment is being sought from the NT Police Minister.