The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into the actions of an officer who crashed into a member of the public’s vehicle while urgent duty driving.
The officer was responding to a request for assistance from their colleague who was in an unsafe situation, and had their lights and siren activated. The officer was driving on the westbound lane of a road with a posted speed limit of 60kmph. Cars had moved to the left of the single lane as the officer passed on the right.
As the patrol car passed several cars, one vehicle swerved into the centre of the lane in front of the officer’s vehicle. The officer swerved right to avoid this car and collided into the concrete traffic island in the centre of the road. The patrol car was propelled into an oncoming vehicle on the opposite side of the road. Both cars were damaged, however, no one was injured.
The Police investigation established the Police car was travelling at approximately 108kmph before the collision and the officer was criminally investigated. The initial investigation recommended charging the officer and the Authority agreed. However, after further witnesses were interviewed, Police determined there was insufficient evidence to charge the officer, finding the driver who swerved in front of the patrol car was a significant factor in the collision.
Police found the officer's speed was unnecessarily risky and that their driving was in breach of Police policy. This was addressed through an employment process.
While the Authority agrees with the Police outcome, there was a significant delay in notifying the Authority of this incident. It was apparent from the outset that this matter involved potential criminality and employment concerns; therefore the Authority should have been notified sooner. An earlier notification could have led to a more efficient investigation process with further pertinent information being collected before a charging recommendation was made.
IPCA: 24-24870