Police response to a road traffic incident on the A38 – Derbyshire Police, February 2023

On 9 February 2023, Derbyshire Police were advised of a vehicle theft by Nottinghamshire Police close to the border between the two police forces. The vehicle triggered an ANPR camera heading towards Derbyshire force area, with Derbyshire allocating traffic resources at various locations, including tactical options. 

The stolen vehicle passed a traffic unit at a motorway roundabout, with the police car following its route southbound on the A38. The police car had initial sight of the stolen vehicle but could not sight it as it travelled. 

Following a search of the local area, the police officer located the stolen vehicle, which had left the road on an exit slip road from the A38 and crashed into the embankment. Two men in the stolen vehicle sustained serious injuries.

Our investigators obtained statements from multiple police officers and members of the public reviewed CCTV and body worn video and obtained radio and telephone communications. 

Our investigation concluded in July 2023.

We 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.

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system, and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

In this case, the investigation has not identified any learning.