Police safety rethink as pursuit deaths rise

By Cristina Criddle POLICE are reviewing whether it is safe to pursue criminals in vehicles after deaths during chases rose.

Last year’s toll of 21 involving contact with officers is the highest since 2012-13, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said yesterday. Thirteen were after or during chases, up by six in a year.

After an inquest into the death of Henry Hicks, 18, who crashed his moped while being followed by unmarked police cars in north London in December 2014, the Metropolitan Police is being investigated by the IPCC.

Det Chief Supt Catherine Roper, borough commander for Islington, said: “Our pursuit policy ... is kept under constant review. In light of today’s narrative delivered by the jury and any recommendations made by the coroner … and the IPCC, we will once again review that policy.” Tim Rogers, an expert on pursuit at the Police Federation, put the rise in deaths partly down to a cut in specialist road policing officers.