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Police officers and other emergency service workers injured in the line of duty will now be treated more fairly under revised guidance from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
The update follows joint work by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) and the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS), who raised concerns that outdated rules had been unfairly denying officers access to compensation.
Under the previous guidance, many injuries sustained while detaining or restraining violent offenders were not recognised as resulting from a ‘crime of violence’ or as involving ‘exceptional risk’. This meant that officers, even those injured during assaults or in clearly dangerous situations, were often excluded from making claims.
After the NPWS and PFEW submitted detailed case evidence to the Ministry of Justice and Home Office, the guidance was reviewed and updated earlier this month.
“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.”
Belinda Goodwin, National Board Member, Police Federation of England and Wales.
The revised rules now make clear that when an emergency worker 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, including in cases involving recklessness.
“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 and shows what can be achieved when we work together for the good of those who serve.”
Andy Rhodes, Director of the National Police Wellbeing Service.
The updated CICA guidance for assessors includes new examples on recklessness, operational context and the definition of a ‘crime of violence’.
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