Officers involved in all Post-Incident Procedures (PIP) will now have the same protection afforded to those subjected to a firearms PIP.
The College of Policing yesterday launched a Death or Serious Injury Authorised Professional Practice (DSI APP) Policy.
The policy sets out the steps that should be taken by a force to protect officers legally, look after their welfare and support them during an investigation.
“This new policy will ensure that all officers involved in a PIP are properly supported and represented,” explains Liz Groom, chair of Cambridgeshire Police Federation, “Firearms officers have been covered by a death or serious injury policy for some years now. This policy has been thoroughly tested through the courts in this time and sets a standard that ensures officers are protected but also allows them to provide the best possible evidence.
“PIP processes are used for any incident in which there is a death or serious injury following police contact so it follows that there needs to be a policy in place for any officer involved in these. I would encourage all officers to read the APP guidance to make sure they understand the process.”
Steve Hartshorn, the national Federation’s PIP lead, said: “We will continue to support our members who are involved in a PIP not only through our Welfare Support Programme but also by ensuring they have the right legal advice. We encourage anyone who finds themselves in this situation to contact their local Federation rep as soon as possible so we can get them the assistance they need.”
Read the policy and find out more.
Read the PIP leaflet and Welfare Support Programme leaflet.