Watch the moment police make 'tactical contact' to halt moped crime

14 February 2020, 11:03

By EJ Ward

@EJWardNews

Watch the dramatic moment police officers use a specialist tactic to force moped criminals to stop by hitting them with a police car.

The Met Police released the video of officers using "tactical contact" to halt moped which had failed to stop.

The force said they "can, will and do target those involved in moped crime at every opportunity."

Ahead of their attendance at the MCN motorcycle show this weekend the Met said the tactics are used to "reduce pursuits and prevent injury occurring to the public."

The video shows several pursuits which have been brought to an end by police officers using vehicles to block or nudge moped riders off their vehicles.

In October 2019 The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) issued updated guidance to help officers use tactical contact more safely during scooter pursuits.

The guidance says is a "legitimate use of force for appropriately trained police drivers where authorised."

“It’s critical that police officers using their powers to detain suspected offenders have clear, unambiguous guidance to support them in carrying out their difficult roles,” said IOPC interim Deputy Director-General Jonathan Green, “and that the public have confidence that any dangerous situations created by police pursuits are brought to an end as swiftly as possible.

NPCC pursuits lead, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry said that “Offenders on mopeds and motorcycles who attempt to evade the police are making a choice that puts themselves and others at risk.

"The public expect us to intervene to keep them safe. Highly trained police drivers are tasked with weighing up the risks and deciding upon the most appropriate tactics in fast-paced circumstances.”

Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, added that; “The MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] is committed to tackling moped-enabled and violent crime in London and the public rightly expect us to make London safer. We welcomed the opportunity to influence the development of new national guidance for our officers and staff who undertake pursuits by working with NPCC, IOPC and colleagues.

“Our aim is to reduce the risks posed to themselves and the public, and our officers who are placed in a difficult situation in bringing those offenders to justice and making London safer.”