Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC - formerly IPCC)
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Investigation into use of tactical contact on moped rider by Metropolitan Police

A Metropolitan Police officer is under investigation after using a manoeuvre known as ‘tactical contact’ to stop a teenager who was riding a moped dangerously. Tactical contact is when a suitably trained police driver deliberately makes contact using their vehicle. The tactic was authorised to end a police operation monitoring the activity of the teenager.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an independent investigation after a police car collided with a 17-year-old riding a moped in the early hours of 7 November, 2017. The collision took place on Eastern Way, Erith, south east London at about 2.15am.

The teenager, who was not wearing a helmet, was admitted to hospital with serious head injuries and fractures but has since been discharged.

The IOPC investigation is looking at the circumstances around the authorisation and use of the tactical contact. Investigators deployed to the scene on 7 November and have since collected a volume of evidence including body worn video, police vehicle footage, including from a police helicopter, in-car data, records of police communication and the officer has provided his initial account.

We have also liaised with the Kent and the Metropolitan Police surrounding pursuit policies, the Crown Prosecution Service and The National College of Policing.

IOPC Regional Director for London, Jonathan Green said: “The events on the morning of 7 November resulted in a teenager sustaining serious injuries following intentional contact with a police vehicle. The options available to police officers faced with stopping a suspected offender on a moped have come under increased scrutiny in recent years.

“The IOPC is independently investigating whether the actions of police officers involved in the operation and any use of tactical contact were appropriate given the circumstances they faced. This will include considering and potentially reporting on organisational learning in relation to the use of tactical contact with motor cycles.”

 

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

Original article link: https://policeconduct.gov.uk/news/investigation-use-tactical-contact-moped-rider-metropolitan-police

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