Compensation to be sought for police officers who die in the line of duty

The Police Welfare Association is working towards having the Government pay compensation to relatives of police officers who die in the line of duty.

Addressing a handing over ceremony on Tuesday, general secretary of the Police Welfare Association Sergeant Brenton Smith said his organization intends to pursue the matter vigorously.{{more}}

Susan Charles, mother of Giovanni Charles, who was fatally stabbed while on duty at the Belmont Primary School fair on May 2, was presented with $1,500 as compensation from the Police Welfare Association.

Smith, while acknowledging that no compensation is given to police officers who die in the line of duty, said the executive of the association saw the need to compensate Charles in some way.

“We hope this will be able to assist in something for Ms Charles,” he said.

Charles expressed her gratitude to the association, but said that she expected more compensation.

“Well, I have to say thanks,” she said.

“Seeing that my son died on the line of duty, I think I should have gotten more compensation, but I just want to say thanks again.”(CA)