Andrews Government proposes tougher penalties for threatening police or family
Updated
Victorians who intimidate police officers or threaten their family members could soon face up to 10 years in jail, under tough new laws to be introduced by the Andrews Government on Wednesday.
The proposed changes would also make it a crime to place police, protective services officers (PSOs) and custody officers in positions of "extreme risk", even if they escape unscathed.
The measures are designed to strengthen Labor's law and order credentials ahead of the November state election.
The Police Minister, Lisa Neville, said the Government would ensure that those who endangered law enforcement officers would be punished, even if the officer was not injured.
"If you seek to harm a police officer, a PSO, a custody officer and even without an injury, you will face some jail time," she said.
Under the plan, criminals convicted of intentionally or recklessly assaulting officers will face up 10 years in jail, and 15 years if a gun is involved.
Victorians who fire a gun in the presence of an officer, even if it is into the air or at the ground, will also face up to 15 years behind bars.
Ms Neville said it was also the first time family members of law enforcement officers would have specific protections enshrined in the law.
"What we're saying is that if a criminal seeks to threaten or intimidate an officer or their family, that is really causing them to be fearful of their safety… people can face up to 10 years in prison," she said.
New DNA evidence powers for police
Police will receive new powers to take DNA samples from certain suspects without a court order, under separate legislation to be introduced on Wednesday.
Ms Neville said this would allow detectives to take DNA from people accused of committing violent or serious crimes which are punishable by jail time.
She said it would "streamline" police powers.
"It is about faster, quicker solving of crime in Victoria to ultimately make us all safer," Ms Neville said.
"It's bringing it in to line with fingerprinting, making it easier for police but most importantly making it an effective way to be able to solve crime very quickly, and make arrests very quickly."
If the person accused is a minor, the powers will be limited to certain crimes including terrorism, murder, manslaughter and home invasions.
The Andrews Government is hoping to pass the legislation by the end of the year.
The ABC has contacted the police union and the Law Institute of Victoria for comment.
Topics: law-crime-and-justice, crime, police, vic
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