23 June 2005
For Immediate Release

IPCC says training is key in reducing police road traffic collisions

Commenting on the publication of figures showing a 60 per cent increase in the number of police vehicles in road traffic collisions, Independent Police Complaints Commission Chair Nick Hardwick said: "Training and risk assessment are the keys to reducing deaths and serious injuries involving police drivers.   

"Training has to be consistent across England and Wales and must follow the curriculum laid down by the Association of Chief Police Officers more than five years ago.   

"We all accept that in emergencies police officers have to speed and go through red lights but they must not take unacceptable risks, either for themselves or the public.  Control rooms have to play a central role in dictating pursuits.

"The IPCC will continue to manage or independently investigate the most serious collisions involving police driving.     We are ensuring that the lessons learned will benefit the police service.  

The Police Complaints Authority did important work in this area in the past.    The Commission and the Home Office are now considering commissioning future work around this area and hope to make an announcement shortly.

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Notes for editors

• The figures were disclosed by Home Office Minister of State Hazel Blears today in answer to a question from Lynne Featherstone MP.
• The IPCC is the body with overall responsibility for the police complaints system in England and Wales. It has the task of increasing public confidence in the system and aims to make complaints investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair. The 17 IPCC Commissioners guarantee the independence of the IPCC and by law can never have served as police officers.
• Since April 1 2005 the IPCC has used its powers to begin 14 independent and 46 managed investigations into the most serious complaints against the police. It has also set new standards for police forces to improve the way the public's complaints are handled. Since 1 April 2004 it has upheld 157 appeals (out of 485 valid appeals) by the public about the way their complaint was dealt with by the local force.
• The IPCC is committed to getting closer to the communities it serves.  It has regional offices in Cardiff, Leicestershire, London and Manchester plus a sub office in Wakefield.  Commissioners are regionally based and supported by 77 independent investigators, as well as case workers and specialist support staff.
• The IPCC web site is constantly updated at www.ipcc.gov.uk or members of the public can contact the IPCC on 08453 002 002

For further information please contact:

Richard Offer, Head of Media

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Email: Richard.Offer@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk