Fatal collision - South Yorkshire Police, January 2017

On 7 January 2017 a South Yorkshire Police officer driving a liveried police vehicle was involved in a road traffic collision in Sheffield with a pedestrian. The pedestrian received fatal injuries and died at the scene. The officer was not responding to an emergency but was attending a pre-arranged diary appointment.

Data obtained from the vehicle revealed that the vehicle was being driven at 42mph prior to impact with the pedestrian; the road where the collision took place is governed by a 30mph speed restriction.

During the investigation investigators interviewed the officer, obtained statements from several witnesses, and seized and viewed CCTV footage. Various vehicle examinations were also carried out, along with a reconstruction of the incident.

The Investigator concluded that there was sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable tribunal could conclude that the officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

We referred the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for them to consider offences of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving without due care and attention, driving without due care and attention, and speeding. Two CPS prosecutors reviewed the case and concluded that there was no realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.

After reviewing our investigation report, and in light of the CPS decision, South Yorkshire Police determined that the officer had a case to answer for misconduct rather than gross misconduct. We considered the force’s view and agreed with them.

South Yorkshire Police held a misconduct meeting; the officer was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour. He was given management advice and required to attend a driver training course.

An inquest into the man’s death was held; the Coroner recorded a narrative finding.