Introduce Legislation to make Verbal Abuse toward Police Officers an offence

2,019
signatures
closedMinistry of JusticeOpened 16 April 2026Closed 16 October 2026

Background

We believe that to some it's become acceptable that police officers get verbally abused and are considered too hardened to experience Harassment, Alarm of Distress for Public Order Act offences. They are public servants worthy of protection from abuse. Make it an offence to verbally abuse officers.

Additional details

Respect for authority is a central aspect of a functional society, in schools, in courts, in hospitals, and on the streets. We believe this is not a freedom of speech matter, and others in society are protected from abuse. We think well designed legislation can protect police officers, without limiting accountability. In our view, society gets the police service it deserves, and if we want officers who will protect us, we have a duty to protect them.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 764208.