Source · IOPC Learning Case

Recommendation - West Yorkshire Police, February 2023

West Yorkshire Police Ref: 2022/170566 Recommended 8 Feb 2023 Response due 5 Apr 2023

Death and serious injury Road traffic incidents

We identified organisational learning from a local death or serious injury report where an officer used his personal radio to communicate with the control room whilst following a suspect vehicle. This appears to be common practice but could constitute a criminal offence.

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Recommendations

1 total

Recommendation 1

The IOPC recommends that West Yorkshire Police ensures that officers do not use their personal radios to communicate with the control room whilst driving, including when engaged in the pursuit of, or the following of a suspect vehicle. This follows a Death and Serious Injury investigation which highlighted that an officer used his personal radio to communicate with the control room whilst engaged in following a suspect vehicle. Investigative enquiries established that this appears to be common practice but is actually against the law. WYP needs to ensure that officers use the correct equipment provided to comply with the law and ensure the safety of all parties concerned. Do you accept the recommendation? Yes

Addressed to: West Yorkshire Police

Linked bodies: West Yorkshire Police

Accepted

Force response

Accepted action: Two reminders have been sent across the force area reminding officers about the limitations and prohibitions involved when driving police vehicles.