Police-related road deaths rise
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4451760.stm
An independent watchdog wants debate on policing the roads
There has been a rise in the numbers of people killed in road accidents involving police cars.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission said 44 people died in England and Wales over the past year.
This is an increase of eight on the previous year and more than two-and-a- half times the 17 recorded in 2000/01.
The IPCC also released figures which said 106 people died during or after contact with police in the last year, up 24 from the year before.
'Degree of risk'
IPCC chairman Nick Hardwick said: "We are concerned about the increase in the number of road traffic-related deaths.
"This year there were a larger number of people killed but in a lower number of incidents."
The IPCC wants a debate on the risks police should take on the road.
He added: "There is an issue for public debate here - when you dial 999 you want the police to get there quickly, but there is a degree of risk involved in that.
"We have to have an intelligent debate about what degree of risk is acceptable and in what circumstances."
A 13-year-old girl was the youngest person to die and the oldest was a 90-year-old woman in Lancashire.
Of the 44 deaths, 23 were in police pursuits, six involved police vehicles answering 999 calls and 15 were listed as "other".
The overall 106 deaths total also included three fatal police shootings.
'Deep regret'
Home Office minister Hazel Blears said: "Everything that can be done must be done to minimise accidents involving police vehicles.
"Such incidents are a very grave matter and any increase is particularly worrying."
Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman and deputy chief constable of Leicestershire David Lindley said: "Acpo deeply regrets any death.
"But it should be recognised that as a 24/7 emergency service the police have millions of interactions with the public, often in difficult circumstances.
"The death of individuals following contact with the police is extremely rare."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4451760.stm
An independent watchdog wants debate on policing the roads
There has been a rise in the numbers of people killed in road accidents involving police cars.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission said 44 people died in England and Wales over the past year.
This is an increase of eight on the previous year and more than two-and-a- half times the 17 recorded in 2000/01.
The IPCC also released figures which said 106 people died during or after contact with police in the last year, up 24 from the year before.
'Degree of risk'
IPCC chairman Nick Hardwick said: "We are concerned about the increase in the number of road traffic-related deaths.
"This year there were a larger number of people killed but in a lower number of incidents."
The IPCC wants a debate on the risks police should take on the road.
He added: "There is an issue for public debate here - when you dial 999 you want the police to get there quickly, but there is a degree of risk involved in that.
"We have to have an intelligent debate about what degree of risk is acceptable and in what circumstances."
A 13-year-old girl was the youngest person to die and the oldest was a 90-year-old woman in Lancashire.
Of the 44 deaths, 23 were in police pursuits, six involved police vehicles answering 999 calls and 15 were listed as "other".
The overall 106 deaths total also included three fatal police shootings.
'Deep regret'
Home Office minister Hazel Blears said: "Everything that can be done must be done to minimise accidents involving police vehicles.
"Such incidents are a very grave matter and any increase is particularly worrying."
Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman and deputy chief constable of Leicestershire David Lindley said: "Acpo deeply regrets any death.
"But it should be recognised that as a 24/7 emergency service the police have millions of interactions with the public, often in difficult circumstances.
"The death of individuals following contact with the police is extremely rare."
