Independent Police Complaints Commission
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IPCC raises concerns over Matthew Seddon pursuit

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has raised a number of concerns in relation to the way Thames Valley Police (TVP) conducted a pursuit during which a teenager was killed.

Matthew Seddon, 19, died after the car he was driving collided with the central reservation on the A33 in Reading on 11 February 2013. At the time of the collision several police vehicles were involved in a pursuit of his Ford Fiesta.

Mr Seddon, who had not been wearing a seat belt, was thrown into the road and hit by one of the pursuing vehicles.

The IPCC investigated the circumstances of the crash, including examining CCTV and in-car video footage, interviewing officers and witnesses, and serving nine officers and one member of police staff with notice that their conduct was under investigation.

The investigation found:

  • some officers involved in the pursuit did not know what the TVP guidelines permitted - or prevented - them from doing
  • the in-car video recording equipment in one pursuing car was faulty
  • a headset used in the control room during the pursuit did not work properly

IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said:

“This was a tragic incident which resulted in a young man losing his life. It is vital that all police officers who engage in pursuits are trained and equipped to make the right decisions.

“We provided our detailed report to TVP which has accepted our recommendations and taken action to address the standard of equipment used.

“Our thoughts remain with Matthew Seddon’s family and friends at this time.”

The IPCC recommended TVP take steps to improve the reliability of the equipment used in its control rooms and the in-car video recording equipment in its roads policing cars.

Following the conclusion of the IPCC investigation, TVP held misconduct meetings in respect of five officers who were involved in the pursuit. One officer was given management advice and had six penalty points placed on his TVP driving licence. No disciplinary action was taken against four other officers, althought a case against one officer was proven on one point.

Copies of the IPCC investigation report have been provided to Mr Seddon’s family, Thames Valley Police and the coroner.

An inquest into Mr Seddon’s death at Reading Coroner’s Court concluded on 28 October 2015.

 

Channel website: https://policeconduct.gov.uk/

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