Bike thieves beware as police tactical contact gets green light
New legal guidance legitimises police ‘tactical contact’
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has formally recognised the use of tactical contact as a legitimate use of force for appropriately trained officers. The news is welcomed by police who have been operating in limbo until now with the fear of misconduct hearings hanging over them, as happened with PC Edwin Sutton. Sutton was found not to have breached the standard of professional behaviour after ending a moped chase with a tactical contact in May 2017, but it took two years for PC Sutton to be cleared. This was just one of many instances where officers have been investigated for using the tactic. “It’s critical that police officers using their powers to detain suspected offenders have clear, unambiguous guidance to support them in carrying out their difficult roles and that the public have confidence that any dangerous situations created by police pursuits are brought to an end as swiftly as possible,” said interim IOPC Deputy Director General, Jonathan Green.
“In discussions with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and Metropolitan Police Service, we have been able to develop this guidance, filling gaps and assisting officers when judging the right circumstances for using deliberate contact. “The new guidance helps officers weigh up the risks in fastmoving situations so that they can carry out stops effectively and at the same time offers reassurance to the public that the tactic is used as safely and proportionately as possible.”
The IOPC also emphasised that use of the tactic must be authorised and officers must consider the use of alternative tactics, weigh up the severity of the suspected offence and the assess the likelihood of causing injury to riders, others and themselves.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry said: “Offenders on mopeds and motorcycles who attempt to evade the police are making a choice that puts themselves and others at risk.
“The public expect us to intervene to keep them safe. Highly-trained police drivers are tasked with weighing up the risks and deciding upon the most appropriate tactics in fast-paced circumstances.”
‘Offenders on mopeds are making a choice’ ASST CHIEF CONST STEVE BARRY