Recommendation 1
As a result of an IOPC independent investigation involving a pursuit, it was established that in-car audio recording had not been activated. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) confirmed that activation of the audio recording was “more 'best practice' but not essential”. The IOPC therefore recommends the MPS makes activation of the audio recording facility (as referred to in paragraph 48 of the report) mandatory once a pursuit is initiated, given that the MPS has confirmed to the IOPC as part of its investigation that its use is regarded as best practice. Mandatory activation of the audio recording facility can offer better evidential opportunities for any subsequent investigation and can provide greater transparency around policing practice.
Do you accept the recommendation?
Yes
Addressed to: Metropolitan Police Service
Linked bodies:
Metropolitan Police Service
Accepted
Force response
Accepted action:
The IOPC’s recommendation has been raised at the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) National Pursuits Meeting in October 2019. The current College of Policing’s Police Pursuits Authorised Professional Practice (APP) states, “It is highly desirable in pursuit situations to use vehicles fitted with IDR/driver and vehicle data management systems (DVDMS), together with visual recording equipment, for evidential purposes. Such vehicles should be deployed to take part in pursuits where possible.”
Whilst the recommendation is being considered at a national level, the MPS will mandate activating audio recording equipment at the start of a pursuit for all officers. This will be in one of two ways: by either activating the in-car system (where available), or if this is not available, by utilising Body Worn Camera. An operational notice is being finalised, including the latest APP and Tactics Directory, and will be published later this month across the MPS. This change will be included in Driver Training immediately.
The lead for implementing this change is the OCU Commander of Roads and Transport Policing Command. This has undergone consultation with the Safer Driving Managers from each business group, the Police Federation, Driver Training School and Policy Team. The impact of this change will be monitored through the MPS’s network of Safer Driving managers for feedback, and compliance will be overseen by the Professional Driving Standards Unit.