IPCC identifies communications flaws by Metropolitan Police Service officers during pursuit in Penge

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has concluded that Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers did not communicate clearly and provide accurate updates during a pursuit that preceded a road traffic incident in Penge, south London.

An independent investigation commenced after MPS officers, in an unmarked police vehicle, pursued a Mini Cooper which later collided with another car on Friday, 13 January. The driver of the Mini Cooper later died in hospital.

The IPCC investigation found the quality of information provided by a police constable, who was the radio operator during the pursuit, was deficient as it lacked detail. The officer did not appreciate the importance of his role as radio operator and the information he provided did not assist staff at the Command and Control Centre (CCC) which had responsibility for controlling the incident.

A police sergeant, who was driving the unmarked vehicle, also did not communicate adequately with the CCC during the pursuit.

The IPCC investigation concluded that officers made errors of judgement but found no policies had been breached and neither officer had a case to answer for misconduct.

IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin said:

"It is clear the poor quality and lack of information provided by the two officers created a confusing situation for the Command and Control Centre who therefore did not deploy other units to assist them.

"The officers engaged in this pursuit were part of the MPS' Territorial Support Group and therefore unfamiliar with the area they were patrolling. I have asked the MPS to consider ways in which this can be improved so that delays in responding to requests for locations could be minimised."

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