Police High Speed Pursuits

1. Since January 2006, how many high speed pursuits by officers have taken place?
2. Since January 2006, how many civilian fatalities have occurred as a result of police high speed pursuits?
3. Since January 2006, how many civilian injuries have occurred as a result of police high speed pursuits?
4. Regarding death or injury, how many (if any) police officers have faced disciplinary or court action over a high speed pursuit since January 2006?
5. Can you supply a copy of the form an officer has to fill out if there are any fatalities or injuries resulting from a high speed pursuit?
6. What training does the force give to drivers that may be required to undertake high speed pursuits?
7. Do all drivers get the training or only a certain proportion of them?
8. Are there ever instances when high speed training is carried out on roads that the public are using? (i.e. roads with other vehicles on them.)
9. What guidelines are given to officers about when a high speed pursuit is allowable?
10. Since January 2006, has the force suffered any injuries or deaths as a result of high speed pursuits?

Your clarification of a high speed pursuit is as follows:

I would define a high speed pursuit as being one in which police officers have to break the speed limit on the road they are on in pursuit of a crime / criminal. This could be joyriders, motorway speedsters, getaway cars from robberies etc. I would also define it as a pursuit where both vehicles reach speeds where danger to other road users and pedestrians becomes a distinct possibility.

In accordance with section 1 (1) (b) of the Act our response is provided below;

Note: The definition of a pursuit is when the driver/rider of a vehicle is refusing to stop for police. The speed can be anything from 1 MPH upwards. However the fast majority are invariably at speeds in excess of speed limits.

Question 1: 105.

Question 2: One.

Question 3: Four

Question 4: None

Question 5: Tactical Pursuit Return

Question 6: All driving is to the National Police Driving Manual

Question 7: Please see the policy on driving authorities Driving Authority Policy

Question 8: All training is conducted on public roads. Tactical Pursuit & Containment (TPAC) training is conducted on an airstrip.

Question 9: Police pursuits are governed by the Guidelines for the Management of Police Pursuits issued by ACPO.

Question 10: Three injuries to Police Officers.