ATTACKS ON POLICE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19476, 11 May 1925, Page 7

ATTACKS ON POLICE.

COMPLAINT IN SYDNEY. SENTENCES TOO LIGHT. When asked his opinion recently on the question of protecting the police from “push” attacks, Mr G. Mitchell, Acting-Metropolitan Superintendent of Police in Sydney, stud that he considered the inquiry was belated. “ Until a few months ago,” he said, “the frequency of these assaults was a matter for alarm, and there is no doubt that, the offenders were encouraged by the lightness of the penalties awarded tor such offences. But during the past three months or so offences against the police have been comparatively few, the falling-of being due, no doubt, to the very active propaganda of the press, and to the firm action taken in the courts.” However, at the Police Association Conference the following motion was carried unanimously:—“That the association views with alarm the number of serious assaults on the police, and urges judges, magistrates, and the public to do their share in protecting the guardians of the peace from the attacks of cowardly ruffians.” Mr H. Chinner (president! said that the great weight of public opinion was behind the police in its protest against the inadequate punishments that had been awarded in some cases to those convicted of making vicious assaults on members of the force. Many instances could be cited of members who had been injured for life as the result of such assaults, which were carried out almost with impunity owing to the, comparatively light sentences imposed on previous offenders.