Police officers, staff and emergency workers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the public. When they’re injured doing that job, they deserve fair treatment and recognition.
Thanks to joint work between the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) and the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), important changes have now been made to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) guidance to make that happen.
Why this change was needed
Assaults on police are at record levels. Yet, under previous eligibility guidance, many claims for compensation were turned down because some injuries weren’t assessed as the result of a “crime of violence”.
That interpretation didn’t reflect the reality of policing. Officers and staff often sustain injuries while detaining or restraining violent or reckless offenders - situations that carry real danger, but the operational context did often not appear to be understood or recognised for many of our applicants. This will now be reflected in the new guidance for assessors.
What’s changed
The revised guidance, published on 3 October, now makes clear that when an emergency worker is injured by someone violently resisting arrest or behaving recklessly, decision-makers must fully consider whether those actions amount to a crime of violence.
This means those injured through violent or reckless behaviour now have a fairer basis for claiming compensation.
How we made it happen
This change is the result of true collaboration.
- The NPWS, through Operation Hampshire, identified the issue and drafted a detailed paper outlining concerns.
- The PFEW provided clear and compelling case evidence and worked alongside us to build the case.
- The Police Covenant Oversight Board, Home Office, and CICA all engaged constructively to agree the improvements.
Together, we’ve ensured the guidance reflects the operational reality of policing and the risks our people face.
Andy Rhodes, Director of the NPWS, said:
“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. I’m grateful to all who engaged constructively to make this happen; it’s a great example of collaboration in action for the good of those who serve.”
Dave Brewster, Op Hampshire Lead for NPWS, said:
Emergency Workers hold a unique position in society insomuch that they are often obligated to act in the face of violence, aggression or in hostile environments on behalf of the public. On too many occasions these scenarios result in significant injury owing to either a direct assault or the recklessness of the offender.
This is a piece of work that I am pleased to have been able to assist with, working in partnership with colleagues in the PFEW and I'm grateful to Belinda Goodwin for gathering the evidence to articulate our case. The improved guidance is a real positive and we now must ensure that we provide best evidence in applications for compensations to ensure we meet the standard required."
Belinda Goodwin, National Board Member, PFEW, said:
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.”
If you are a police officer or police staff member and you have been injured, go to our Operation Hampshire pages for additional guidance on submitting your application.
You can also find further details in the CICA guidance for assessors here.
This is about fairness, recognition, and wellbeing. NPWS will continue to work with partners to make sure those who protect others get the support they deserve when things go wrong