Best support for officers with Post Incident Procedures

OFFICERS involved in deaths or serious injury at work should be reassured that they have excellent support and protection from the Federation.

The College of Policing launched its Death or Serious Injury (DSI) Authorised Professional Practice policy in July, which ensures police officers are protected legally and their welfare is supported.

It is an important move that will help protect colleagues according to Steve Kent, Federation Chair. He said: “I sent a video out to all officers in the force last year advising them about the post-incident procedure and not to be afraid of it because there is the perception that it can be scary.

“Of course it is, but it’s there to protect officers. It’s absolutely vital that in incidents that justify a post-incident procedure that we have the Federation and we have legal support at the very earliest of stages. We have seen incidents unfortunately in South Yorkshire that have gone to a post-incident procedure recently and it’s been really good that we’ve been able to get through the door from minute one so we can influence it.”

Nearly all post-incident procedures – apart from those where specialist firearms equipment is involved – will take part in the Federation headquarters, which should reassure officers, Steve said. He added: “We have got facilities here that we can put on for officers, so they can be as comfortable as they can be in a difficult position. They need to be aware they’re witnesses and they can be reassured that they’re in our building, with our staff and our highly trained reps who will then look after them from the outset.

“Officers need this because of the enhanced scrutiny they face. In the past we’ve seen cases from the IOPC that have been very poorly managed and that have led to officers waiting for years to find out their fate.

“My message to officers is that if you are involved in a post-incident procedure that it is entirely normal, it is what we actually want to happen, and you will be protected from minute one. It is nothing to be afraid of. It is there for your protection so we can get our legal team and representatives on board to get the best legal protection that you possibly can.”