Qld: Police not punching bags says Springborg
By John Sheed
BRISBANE, April 27 AAP - The State Government should increase penalties for assaultingpolice to help stop them being used as punching bags, Queensland Opposition Leader LawrenceSpringborg said today.
His call came after a man and his two sons were charged following an overnight incidenton the Gold Coast in which a policewoman investigating a road accident was abused andassaulted.
Mr Springborg said today assaults on police were on the rise.
In the first eight months of this financial year 913 assaults on police were reportedin Queensland, including 195 in Brisbane, putting the city on target for its most violentyear ever against police.
He said the State Government should review the adequacy of penalties for assaultingpolice officers.
"Police should not be used as punching bags," Mr Springborg said.
"They are out there protecting our families, our homes, our streets and our businesses.
"They are entitled to the respect of the community for that."
Mr Springborg said the maximum penalties for assaulting police were rarely imposed.
"That means our police are being exposed to even greater risks from offenders who thinkthey can get away with making these assaults on officers," Mr Springborg said.
Last night, a policewoman required medical attention after being struck in the face by a man.
Another police officer had to use capsicum spray to subdue the man.
Police said a 44-year-old had been charged with serious assault on police and obstructing police.
A 19-year-old man was charged with using threatening language, obstructing and assaultingpolice, disorderly behaviour and consuming liquor in public.
A third man, aged 18, was charged with the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle,obstructing police, using insulting language, consuming liquor in a public place and disorderlybehaviour.
All are due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on May 12.
AAP jfs/cjh/de
KEYWORD: OFFICER NIGHTLEAD
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