Minister Seeks Enhanced Penalties for Assaults on Peace Officers

Justice Minister Murray Scott is calling for stronger penalties for people who assault police and other peace officers.

Mr. Scott raised the issue with his provincial counterparts and federal Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day at meetings in Newfoundland and Labrador last week.

"Currently both assault and assaulting a police officer provide the same maximum five-year penalty," said Mr. Scott. "The job of serving our communities often puts police and peace officers in harm's way, and these risks need to be recognized by the Criminal Code."

In addition to longer penalties for assaulting a police officer, Mr. Scott has asked to have aggravated assault of a peace officer created as a new charge under the Criminal Code.

"The federal government has introduced new legislation that will put greater demands on law enforcement," said Mr. Scott. "While I support these initiatives, the federal government must ensure our laws reflect the impact on the men and women who will be called on to enforce this legislation."

Mr. Scott and other provincial ministers also asked the federal government to ensure provinces are consulted on the implementation of new federal legislation and the potential costs to provinces.