Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance covers the prosecution policy for assaults on emergency workers, established under the 2018 Act, detailing various relevant offences and their definitions, the selection of charges, and considerations for prosecutors in these cases. It emphasizes the statutory aggravating factors and the necessary legal considerations when prosecuting offenders under this framework. The document includes guidelines on public interest factors, sentencing, and recent updates concerning the treatment of these offences in the judicial system.
Key points
- An assault on an emergency worker is treated more severely as it affects society as a whole.
- Prosecutors must select charges reflecting the seriousness of the offence and consider Victim Personal Statements.
- Emergency workers include police, prison officers, and NHS personnel engaged in public service.
- Statutory aggravating factors apply in cases involving assaults against emergency workers.
- Prosecutors should weigh public interest factors against the evidential basis for prosecution.
Public-interest factors
- A prosecution is more likely if the offence is against someone serving the public.
- Victim's views should be taken into account when deciding prosecution action.
- Public safety is a priority if an assault was severe or aggravated.
- The nature of crime against emergency workers raises public interest concerns.
- The offender's previous conduct may inform the decision to prosecute.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.