WIREDGOV

An IPCC investigation concluded that a police car involved in a serious injury collision in Nottingham had been driven in accordance with local and national policies covering the response to 999 calls.

The incident happened in Wilkinson Street on the evening of 12 January this year (2017) after a woman had got off a tram at the Whitemoor stop. As she crossed the road she was in collision with a single-crewed police car, which was one of three responding to a 999 call. She suffered injuries which required extensive hospital treatment.

The IPCC immediately began an investigation after being notified by Nottinghamshire Police. Evidence gathered by the IPCC’s investigator, which included CCTV footage, indicated that the police car had moved out on to the opposite side of the carriageway to overtake a stationary bus when the collision took place. It has its blue lights on and the siren was heard by a witness wearing headphones.

CCTV, supported by accounts from independent witnesses, indicated that the woman had her coat hood up as she approached the crossing point. It also indicated that she did not appear to look to her left before stepping into the road. She was unable to provide an account as she had no recollection of the incident.

In the IPCC investigator’s opinion the actions of the police driver had been consistent with local and national guidance in relation to responding to emergency calls, and legal provisions exempting him from complying with speed limits, road signs and signals. It was noted that the officer had decelerated significantly when approaching the crossing point.

IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said: “The consequences of this incident were tragic and life-changing for the woman involved and her family, and they have my sympathy. After conducting a thorough investigation our investigator’s opinion was that the decisions and actions of the officer driving the car involved were in line with policy and reasonable in the circumstances.”