ROADS POLICING
“ In my unit we all support each other and without that camaraderie and strong support from supervision we could struggle”
of other backgrounds who bring a wealth of experience to the role, for example the motor industries who bring technical knowledge. “It could be considered an
advantage to come to the role from a roads policing background as I did,” says Andy. “But there are very good investigators from non-Roads Policing backgrounds who bring a variety of experience to the role. For example, some are academically strong and those from a motor industry background who have extensive knowledge of how a motor vehicle works and what data can be available.” The ways that collision
investigators work can differ slightly from force to force but standardisation is being brought in with the introduction of ISO. This will be achieved through accreditation and training. The rationale is that, if someone has lost a loved one, their investigation should not be dealt with differently to any other force area. Investigators have traditionally been required to attain a City and Guilds Collision Investigation qualification. For those newer in service, a UCPD qualification is required through De Montfort University. Going forward, the proposed minimum standard is rising to be a Certificate of Higher Education – which Andy has spent the last year studying for. Eventually, it is proposed that a degree will be required to perform the role. This presents challenges for
officers who are already incredibly busy. “There was a suggestion that a day a week at work would be sufficient – I haven’t got a day at work to give,” explains Andy. “When you’ve got three, four five fatalities ongoing and the CPS and coroners all need reports
tomorrow, that’s got to come first. So, many of my rest days over the last year were taken up by me sat at the dining room table with my books open.” As the Fed Rep and a member of
PFEW’s Roads Policing User Group, Andy has been leading the calls for supervisors to recognise the need for collision investigators to have a level of study time appropriate to their individual needs. On the mental health side, the
Federation is also encouraging collision investigators to speak up if they are struggling. Andy says: “Our whole world revolves around serious and fatal accidents. We see some horrific scenes. It can be draining and cause a danger to mental health so it’s important to have a support framework in your personal life and work life. In Northumbria, we get assessed every year by our Occupational Health and that yearly check needs to be a minimum standard across all forces. “In my unit we all support each
other and without that camaraderie and strong support from supervision we could struggle. I had a pretty nasty time a number of years ago where I dealt with three deaths in a very short period, which due to circumstances led to me seeking help.” He adds: “You very rarely switch off in this role. I have dreamt about investigations before and can sometimes find it hard to switch off from work. Even when I go on holiday it will take me a number of days to start switching off from work.” Andy’s advice to colleagues is to make use of the support available, including the Federation’s Welfare Support Programme and the resources listed through our Man Up Man Down programme.
DID YOU KNOW? Officers must be given details in writing of any misconduct investigation against them (unless to do so would prejudice the outcome) and their right to representation. If the investigation is not complete after 12 months a report must be submitted to the Police and Crime Commissioner and every six months thereafter. For more on your rights, see –
www.polfed.org
More investment needed for stop and search training and support
The Chair of PFEW’s Black Asian Minority Ethnic and BAME Belief Group wants greater investment to establish a better cultural understanding around stop and search. Paul Odle said: “Intelligence-led ‘stop
and search’ is a legitimate and effective police tactic which can, and does, prevent crime and saves lives. It is crucial the service invests in the highest standards of training and support. “PFEW is fully committed to
eradicating all forms of discrimination through community education, awareness, and by listening to colleagues and the communities we serve. Our Black Asian Minority Ethnic and BAME Belief Group is part of an ongoing, important conversation on this subject, and we are dedicated to developing a greater cultural understanding around stop and search.” Paul was reacting to the publication
of a report by HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams in February on the ‘disproportionate’ use of police powers with a spotlight on stop and search and use of force. It found that, in 2019/20, black, Asian
and minority ethnic people were over four times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people, according to the report. It also estimated there were reasonable grounds for stop and search encounters in 81.7 percent of cases – down from 94 percent in 2017. Ms Williams said: “Over 35 years on
from the introduction of stop and search legislation, no force fully understands the impact of the use of these powers. Disproportionality persists and no force can satisfactorily explain why.” In February, PFEW’s Black Asian
Minority Ethnic and BAME Belief Group became part of HMICFRS’ External Reference Group on diversity and inclusion, feeding into this discussion on behalf of rank and file officers.
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