Why was West Mercia Police fined?

West Mercia Police was fined £85,800 due to safety failures that led to a student officer sustaining life-threatening injuries while on duty.

What injuries did the student officer sustain?

The 22-year-old student officer suffered injuries described as life-threatening and life-changing after being hit by a car while managing traffic.

What changes has West Mercia Police made since the incident?

Since the incident, West Mercia Police has revised risk assessments, policies, procedures, equipment, and increased officer training levels.

Home / Crime and Justice / Police Fined £85k After Officer's Life-Threatening Injuries

Police Fined £85k After Officer's Life-Threatening Injuries

20 Feb

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Summary

West Mercia Police fined £85,800 for safety failures.
Student officer sustained life-threatening injuries on duty.
Force failed to manage risks and provide adequate safety equipment.

Police Fined £85k After Officer's Life-Threatening Injuries

West Mercia Police was fined £85,800 after a student officer suffered severe injuries while responding to a Christmas Eve crash in 2023. The 22-year-old officer was hit by a car while managing traffic on a single-carriageway road with a 60mph speed limit.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the force failed to manage risks effectively, lacking suitable safety equipment and adequate training for officers. The officer's injuries were described as life-threatening and life-changing.

Following the incident, West Mercia Police has made significant improvements to risk assessments, policies, procedures, equipment, and training. The injured officer has reportedly shown great strength during recovery and continues to serve with the force.

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