More training needed for safer high speed chases
In the wake of the tragic accident on the M4 last Monday, where a Mondeo carrying four passengers crashed whilst being driven the wrong way down the motorway, the issue of the effectiveness of high-speed chases has been raised.
A report from the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the official police watchdog, yesterday claimed that officers involved in chases are often taking unnecessary risks and avoided established guidelines aimed at minimising the risk to all involved. These include using 4x4s and vans in chases.
The report also found that the number of crashes involving police vehicles had increased from 101 in 2004-2005 to 109 in 2005-2006, with 32 of the deaths caused in ’05/’06 linked to police chases, and 21 of those that died not being involved in the chase at all.
The IPCC also added that despite the number of fatalities, little or no progress had been made in improving the management of police vehicles when they are involved in pursuits.
Police chiefs maintain that chases are necessary, but have announced that guidelines will be reviewed, refreshed and reinforced. This can’t come soon enough as there have already been 49 fatal and serious injuries as a result of police chases in the first half of 2007, compared to 71 injuries and deaths recorded for the whole of 2006.
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