Man injured in road traffic accident - Leicestershire Police, July 2018

In July 2018 a Leicestershire Police officer was driving to a work-related appointment in their own car when they approached a busy four-exit roundabout. As the officer was waiting for a gap in the traffic to turn right, a man stepped out in front of their vehicle from the left-hand side. As the vehicle moved forward the officer struck the man, knocking him over. He was taken to hospital, where he needed surgery.

During the investigation, investigators visited the man in hospital to explain our investigation, conducted a scene visit and also took a witness statement from one independent witness.

It was determined that there was an indication that the officer may have committed a criminal offence, namely careless driving for allegedly not being sufficiently observant. We interviewed the officer under both criminal and misconduct caution in relation to this matter where they answered all questions we put to them.

Evidence indicated that the man chose to cross the road in an area not designated for pedestrian crossing and continued to cross the road while he was aware that the driver (the police officer) was looking in the opposite direction. There was no evidence to support that the officer’s driving fell below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver.

Based on the evidence available we found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings, or had committed a criminal offence.