Independent report condemns Police for ignoring “fleeing driver policy” during pursuits
Police have accepted the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s investigation into a fleeing driver incident in Counties Manukau on August 13, 2015.
“In this situation, and while the two initial officers were justified in the initial pursuit, a number of subsequent actions by staff did not comply with Police’s fleeing driver policy,” says Superintendent John Tims, District Commander Counties Manukau.
This is after the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that two officers repeatedly disregarded both Police fleeing driver policy and the directions of the pursuit controller during a 20-minute chase in South Auckland.
At about 7.40 p.m. on August 13, 2015, police commenced a pursuit of a stolen Mazda containing three young people who were suspects in a series of recent crimes. On several occasions, the 16-year-old driver drove on the wrong side of the road, including on the motorway. The driver also turned off the Mazda’s headlights.
Due to the risks involved, Police abandoned the pursuit multiple times. However, some officers continued to follow the Mazda. Road spikes were correctly used on three occasions to deflate the vehicle’s tyres. The pursuit came to an end when the Mazda was stopped on the motorway, and the driver was arrested.
The media release from New Zealand Police further said that “shortly after this incident, Police also conducted a review and action was taken in respect to a number of officers involved. Police do note that, while there was no death and or injury as a result of this incident, we still investigate any matter which may display a departure from Police policy.”
The Authority Chair, Judge Sir David Carruthers said: “this pursuit included many of the high-risk factors which have led other pursuits to end in tragedy.”
As a result of incidents such as this, police use the outcome of any review to inform the development of policy and practice.
It is important to note that recently some changes have already been made to the fleeing driver policy.
“We’re confident the changes provide further support for all staff in a fleeing driver situation and provide them with the appropriate guidance to make the right decisions under the extraordinary pressure involved in these situations,” said the media release from the New Zealand Police.
Police staffs have also been reminded of their obligations to ensure that all relevant information is given to the Communications Centres when a fleeing driver situation begins.
The New Zealand Police media release acknowledged that Police does note the IPCA report does not include any recommendations for Police, however, are satisfied the recent amendments to the fleeing driver policy reflect the points raised in the report.
There has been a 39% increase in the last four years in the number of fleeing driver escaping police often resulting in violent accidents and road deaths.
Police have accepted the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s investigation into a fleeing driver incident in Counties Manukau on August 13, 2015.
“In this situation, and while the two initial officers were justified in the initial pursuit, a number of subsequent actions by staff...
Police have accepted the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s investigation into a fleeing driver incident in Counties Manukau on August 13, 2015.
“In this situation, and while the two initial officers were justified in the initial pursuit, a number of subsequent actions by staff did not comply with Police’s fleeing driver policy,” says Superintendent John Tims, District Commander Counties Manukau.
This is after the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that two officers repeatedly disregarded both Police fleeing driver policy and the directions of the pursuit controller during a 20-minute chase in South Auckland.
At about 7.40 p.m. on August 13, 2015, police commenced a pursuit of a stolen Mazda containing three young people who were suspects in a series of recent crimes. On several occasions, the 16-year-old driver drove on the wrong side of the road, including on the motorway. The driver also turned off the Mazda’s headlights.
Due to the risks involved, Police abandoned the pursuit multiple times. However, some officers continued to follow the Mazda. Road spikes were correctly used on three occasions to deflate the vehicle’s tyres. The pursuit came to an end when the Mazda was stopped on the motorway, and the driver was arrested.
The media release from New Zealand Police further said that “shortly after this incident, Police also conducted a review and action was taken in respect to a number of officers involved. Police do note that, while there was no death and or injury as a result of this incident, we still investigate any matter which may display a departure from Police policy.”
The Authority Chair, Judge Sir David Carruthers said: “this pursuit included many of the high-risk factors which have led other pursuits to end in tragedy.”
As a result of incidents such as this, police use the outcome of any review to inform the development of policy and practice.
It is important to note that recently some changes have already been made to the fleeing driver policy.
“We’re confident the changes provide further support for all staff in a fleeing driver situation and provide them with the appropriate guidance to make the right decisions under the extraordinary pressure involved in these situations,” said the media release from the New Zealand Police.
Police staffs have also been reminded of their obligations to ensure that all relevant information is given to the Communications Centres when a fleeing driver situation begins.
The New Zealand Police media release acknowledged that Police does note the IPCA report does not include any recommendations for Police, however, are satisfied the recent amendments to the fleeing driver policy reflect the points raised in the report.
There has been a 39% increase in the last four years in the number of fleeing driver escaping police often resulting in violent accidents and road deaths.
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