Operational partnerships - Road traffic collisions policy (R03)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. This policy was reviewed in May 2024 and no changes to content were made.

2. What this policy is about

2.1. The purpose of this policy is to set out how Kent Police will record and investigative road traffic collisions.

2.2. This policy applies to all Kent Police officers and staff who attend, process and assist with road traffic collisions.

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.

3. Statement of policy

3.1. Police officers and other police staff who attend collisions have a primary responsibility to:

• ensure the safety of all concerned
• ensure the collection and recording of evidence
• ensure the effective management of the scene and restore the normal flow of traffic to minimise disruption to the public
• undertake a proportionate investigation where required
• comply with the Road Traffic Act 1988 and any other relevant legislation

3.2. The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty upon specified authorities (which includes the police) to ensure that their functions are discharged having due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. The contact which all officers and staff have with members of the public provides them with opportunities to identify concerns and trigger the appropriate prevent response to ensure their protection. It is essential that officers and staff understand the issues of radicalisation, are able to identify why people may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism as a consequence of it and how to obtain support for people who may be being exploited by radicalising influences (details are contained within the Prevent Duty and the Channel Duty). This policy has been reviewed and assessed that the CTSA duties could be relevant. 

4. Implications of policy

4.1. Finance/staffing/training/other

• finance - suitable vehicles and equipment (Road Incident Management - RIM) are provided to manage the scenes of collisions
• specialist equipment is required to support the investigation of serious collisions
• staffing - specialist resources are provided within the serious collision investigation unit (SCIU) to investigate serious collisions (subject to call-out criteria)
• training - staff require training in the recording and investigation of collisions. RIM training is provided to manage scenes. Officers and staff within the serious collision investigation unit require specialist training

4.2. Risk assessment

This policy has been assessed as having a medium risk.

4.3. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

An EIA has been carried out and shows the proposals in this policy would have no potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender, disability, age, religion, or belief or sexual orientation.

5. Consultation

5.1. Consultation took place on 18 December 2013 with representation from constable to chief inspector rank.

5.2. Corporate consultation took place with representation from:

• Human Resources
• IT Security
• Finance, Health and Safety
• Freedom of Information
• Legal

6. Monitoring and review

6.1. This policy will be reviewed every two years with the next review taking place in May 2026.

7. Other source documents

None listed.

8. Security

8.1. Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy.

9. Retention and disposal of records

9.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.