Collision after a pursuit resulting in serious injury - Kent Police, September 2017

Published 06 Nov 2018
Investigation

On 18 September 2017, two Kent Police officers were crewed together in a marked police vehicle when a stolen car activated their automatic number plate recognition system. The officers attempted to stop car but it made off.

The driver of the police vehicle commenced an initial pursuit down High Street, Rochester, leading to Chatham High Street. Less than one minute after the pursuit had begun, the suspect car hit a member of the public. The driver did not stop at the scene. The victim sustained severe spinal injuries.

Our investigators gathered and analysed investigative material, including CCTV of the pursuit and the collision, body-worn video footage from one of the officer’s, officers’ notebooks, radio transmissions and relevant policies.

The investigation concluded there was no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.

IOPC reference

2017/092014