A woman in her 60s died after being hit by a driver fleeing from the Metropolitan Police in north-west London, sparking an investigation into police involvement.
A woman in her 60s died after being hit by a driver who had been fleeing from the Metropolitan Police in north-west London. The collision occurred at around 14:10 GMT on Tuesday in Grahame Park Way, Edgware.
A police chase occurs when a law enforcement officer pursues a vehicle in an attempt to apprehend the driver.
High-speed chases can be deadly, with risks including loss of control, accidents, and injuries or fatalities to officers, drivers, and bystanders.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 30,000 police pursuits between 2011 and 2015 in the United States alone.
The NHTSA also reported that 450 people died in these incidents during this period.
Two men, aged 18 and 19, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop. They remain in custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
The driver who was involved in the crash had been driving away from a police vehicle prior to the collision. Despite being pursued by the police, the driver failed to stop at the scene and instead abandoned their vehicle in nearby Franco Avenue.
A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that an independent investigation has been launched into the involvement of the Metropolitan Police in the crash. The IOPC is gathering evidence and urging anyone with information to come forward.
The IOPC is an independent agency responsible for investigating complaints against police officers in England and Wales.
IOPC investigations examine allegations of misconduct, including 'excessive force, racial bias, and abuse of power.'
These probes are typically triggered by internal police complaints or external referrals from the public.
The IOPC reviews evidence, interviews witnesses, and makes recommendations to improve policing practices.
Its findings may lead to disciplinary action against officers or changes in police policies.
The investigation into the incident is still at a very early stage, according to the IOPC spokesperson. The police force notified the watchdog, and IOPC investigators began their inquiry shortly after 16:30 GMT on Tuesday.
Police conduct refers to the behavior and actions of law enforcement officers while performing their duties.
Effective police conduct is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that individuals' rights are respected.
Factors influencing police conduct include training, policies, and community relationships.
Research suggests that de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention training can significantly improve officer behavior.
In addition, body-worn cameras have been implemented in many departments to increase transparency and accountability.
