POLICE received new high-speed pursuit training late last year, the force has revealed.
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Tasmania Police's new pursuit policy officially came into effect on February 1 after 12 months of discussions between the organisation and the state's police union.
Discussions about the need for a new policy were revved up when police union president Pat Allen argued that ccurrent practices lacked clarity and had resulted in some officers receiving unfair disciplinary action.
Following talks, a new policy was designed and released last November, its focus on alternative chase resolutions.
Driver training began soon after across the state.
"As standard practice all police officers undertake regular training opportunities at the Police Academy and other sites around the state, in line with operational, policy and legislative developments," Tasmania Police said on Friday afternoon.
In a statement, 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.
● A response to, or prevention of, serious crimes.
