MP demands urgent action to protect probation officers

An MP has secured a ministerial meeting to discuss urgent action to protect probation officers, after a constituent told him she was "frightened for her safety at work".

Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock Calum Miller said in the House of Commons that the probation officer told him her colleague in the Oxford probation office had been stabbed multiple times by somebody under their supervision three weeks ago.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the case is linked to the attempted murder charge of a man in Oxford in November. It did not previously disclose the victim's occupation.

The Probation Service said it would "always push for the strongest punishments against perpetrators".

Miller called for the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018 to be extended to probation officers.

It already covers prison and custody officers.

In response, Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the Prisons Minister would meet Miller for a discussion.

He also pointed to a government announcement made the previous day confirming that murders connected to a police, prison or probation officer's current or former duties would carry a whole life order starting point, ensuring offenders face the harshest possible sentence.

"We will do everything we can to keep our probation officers safe," Lammy said.

Miller said securing the meeting was "a welcome step, but what matters more is action".

"Probation officers are on the frontline of public protection, yet they are excluded from the protections that rightly apply elsewhere in the justice system," he said.

"My constituent came to me because she is scared for her safety at work."

He added that extending the Assaults on Emergency Workers Act to probation officers "would be a clear and long overdue step towards parity between these crucial service workers".

TVP confirmed that the victim had been discharged from hospital.

A Probation Service spokesperson said: "Police are investigating an attack on a probation officer in Oxford, and our thoughts are with the member of staff, their family and their colleagues.

"We will not tolerate assaults on our hard-working staff and will always push for the strongest punishments against perpetrators."

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