TASMANIA Police's new pursuit policy officially came in effect on February 1.
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Discussions about the need for a new police policy revved up last year when police union president Pat Allen argued police's current policy lacked clarity and had resulted in some officer's receiving unfair disciplinary action.
Following talks, a new police was designed and released last November, with a focus on alternative chase resolutions.
In a statement on Friday, the force said the new policy ``maintains its focus on safety of public and police and provides increased clarity for police on when to initiate, continue and terminate a pursuit, as well as how to assess relevant risks.''
Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard said the previous policy was effective, but the new guidelines would further minimise risk to officers behind the wheel and the general public.
``When risk factors dictate the termination of a pursuit there are of course other tactics that can be utilised such as investigations, covert observations and deploying vehicle immobilisation devices,'' he said.
Key elements of the new policy include:
- A clear differentiation between a ‘pursuit’ and other circumstances where police may be authorised to ‘follow’ a vehicle;
- Clearer articulation of ‘key risk factors’ for police to consider prior to, and during, a pursuit through a process of ‘dynamic risk assessment’;
- A more comprehensive ‘reporting and investigation’ regime based on categories of pursuit, to ensure greater accountability.
Similar to the previous policy, the new framework means pursuits can only be engaged in when:
- An obvious and immediate danger to human life; or
- A response to, or prevention of, serious crimes.
Training for officers in utilising the new policy commenced late last year.