Influence way police investigate road deaths (From Swindon Advertiser)

Influence way police investigate road deaths

9:34am Friday 10th August 2012 in News

PEOPLE are being asked to have their say in the way police investigate road deaths.

The Association of Chief Police Officers is calling on residents to help shape police policy.

A consultation will focus on police standards when responding, reporting and investigating, road traffic collisions and will influence an agreed policy and guidance published by ACPO.

ACPO’s last review of its Road Death Investigation Manual was carried out in 2007.

Reported road deaths have reduced from about 5,500 a year in the mid 1980s to fewer than 2,000 in 2011. Over the same period, reported road casualties have decreased from 240,000 to just over 200,000.

Assistant Chief Constable Sean White, ACPO lead for the investigation of fatal and life changing road collisions across England and Wales, encouraged people to comment on how they would like to see police respond, investigate and report on road traffic collisions, including bereaved family and friends who have had first-hand experience of police involvement.

“Families expect their police service to prevent and reduce these collisions from occurring and in the unexpected event that it impacts upon them they are entitled to the best service and support to aid them through such a difficult time,” he said.

“We are committed to listening to their experiences and views as well as those of partner agencies, and to updating and amending our policy and practices to keep pace with and, where possible, exceed expectations.”

The consultation is open until September 7. Visit cleveland.

police.uk/contactus/ManualReview1.aspx or write to ACC Sean White, Cleveland Police HQ, PO Box 70, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, TS8 9EH.