Urgent Duty Driving Flashcards
What is the overarching principle in relation to Urgent duty driving?
It is that public and police safety takes precedence over the necessity to undertake urgent duty driving.
No duty is so urgent that it requires the public or police to be placed at unjustified risk.
What are the additional over riding principles relating to urgent duty driving?
-public and police safety prioritised
- UDD must be conducted in safest possible manner.
-we must drive at a speed and manner appropriate to circumstances.
- we are individually legally responsible for our actions.
- must use TENR (threat assessment tool).
- Category A vehicles preferred as they are more visible.
What is urgent duty driving?
When officer is on duty, driving above speed limit or natural flow of traffic, may not be complying with certain traffic rules AND is
- responding to a critical incident
- Gathering evidence of alleged offence
- Apprehending an offender for a traffic or criminal offence.
- apprehending a fleeing driver
- taking part in official motorcade (established by op orders)
- engaged in activities approved by the commissioner in writing.
AND are relying on defences under LTA regarding complying with rules and Regs which prevent execution of that duty.
What is a ‘critical incident’?
Situations where:
- force or threat of force is involved
- any person faces the risk of serious harm
- we are responding to people in the act of committing a crime.
What factors/circumstances should you consider when deciding to commence/continue UUD?
-Time of incident (is it in progress?)
- Nature and seriousness of incident
- Proximity of incident
- proximity of other units to the incident
- Environment (weather traffic, road type, speed limit, pedesstrians etc)
- driver class, vehicle class and passengers
- whether tactical approach is used (no warning devices)
- vehicle type
What is a tactical approach?
Undertaking UUD without warning devices - lights and sirens. And can also involve adjusting vehicle speed.
What are three examples of when a tactical approach can be an advantage?
- approaching a scene of a serious crime in progress
- attending a suicidal person
- obtaining evidence of speeding ( where offenders driving is not dangerous and the risk of not using the warning devices is low.
What should you remember When using a tactical approach in relation to justifiable circumstances?
-You will need to justify your decision should there be any subsequent investigation.
- if neither lights or siren are used then the defences for proceeding against traffic signals or through intersections do not apply.
When can a tactical approach not be used?
When a fleeing driver incident has been initiated. Any deactivation of warning devices must be in line with the fleeing driver abandonment procedure.
In the role of ‘Driver’ in relation to UDD what are your 2 responsibilities?
- Comply with law and drive in a manner that prioritises public and police safety.
- Prior to commencing UDD and continuing throughout conducts TENR.
In the role of ‘enforcement officer’ (passenger) when UDD, what are your responsibilities?
- Advise driver about the route, situational factors, risks and threats.
- operates radio
- Prior to commencing UDD and continuing throughout conducts TENR.
In the role of ‘field supervisor’ when UDD, what are your responsibilities?
- manage police driving performance
- identify and mange health and safety risks to staff.
-Immediately report policy breaches. - investigates and reports crashes involving police vehicles.
In the role of ‘Manager’ in relation to UDD what are your responsibilities?
Ensure:
- sure plan notified of police crashes
- monitor health and safety obligations
- crash files progressed to road policing manager and professional conduct.
In the role of ‘controlling officer’ in relation to UDD hat is your responsibility?
Ensure units are directed to incident as appropriate.
