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IPCC investigation finds issues with pursuit management prior to the death of Kyle Griffith

6 Mar 2013 03:29 PM

The Independent Police Complaints Commission independent investigation has found some issues with the management of the South Wales police pursuit that preceded the death of 25-year-old Kyle Griffith in the early hours of 10 January 2012.

The investigation found that the control room operator did not find out whether the police driver was authorised to carry out pursuits. There were also subsequent changes made to the police log of the incident. The IPCC found a case to answer for misconduct.

Following a misconduct hearing held by SWP the force gave the control room operator a written warning. The force also decided that the police driver would be subject of management action for pursuing when he was not an authorised pursuit driver.

At approximately 2.50am on 10 January two police officers in a marked police Ford Focus signalled a blue Fiat Cinquecento driven by Steven Freye to stop in Penarth Road, Cardiff. The driver of the Fiat failed to stop and was pursued through the city centre to Cardiff Bay, where the Fiat collided with Mr Griffith in James Street.

Mr Griffith received serious injuries as a result of the collision and was taken to the University Hospital of Wales where he was later pronounced dead. Freye was convicted for the murder of Mr Griffth.

IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies said: "I would like to again offer my sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Mr Griffith for their sad loss. The entire responsibility for the death rests firmly with Freye.

"Our investigation focused on the management of the pursuit by the control room and found a case to answer.

"One of the key lessons was the control room operator did not draw it to the attention of his supervisor. Once the pursuit was recognised then it should have been stopped immediately as the vehicle and driver were not authorised.

"The early stage of a police pursuit is crucial and operators have a pivotal role to play with early actions and to immediately refer such matters to their supervisor. We have asked South Wales Police to review their pursuit training package for control room staff focusing on these aspects.”