Post Incident Procedures (PIP)

Post-Incident Procedures (PIP) will begin in all situations following police contact that may have:

• Resulted in death or serious injury
• Revealed failings in command
• Caused danger to officers or the public.

If the above criteria are not met, the Force should still consider the proportionate application of these procedures, where appropriate.

The College of Policing has produced a new policy for incidents involving death or serious injury (DSI) which is the guidance that all Post-Incident Managers (PIM) use when a PIP is enacted.

The benefits of effectives PIPs can make all the difference between ‘career death’ or keeping the job officers love.  There are currently two PIM suites, one for firearms incidents and one for non-firearm incidents.

Gloucestershire Police Federation has supported a large number officers through the PIP process with a number of reps having been trained to the same level as the PIM.

If you are involved in a PIP you should consider the following:

• You may be treated as a suspect or a witness. This is a very fine line. It is in your interest that if you are being treated as a suspect you should say nothing until legal advice has been obtained. You have legal rights under the PACE Act 1984 and these should not be compromised.
• If, however, you are being treated as a witness then remember all conversations are disclosable.
• Ask the PIM to contact the Police Federation which can arrange legal advice and other support including contact with relatives, refreshments and so on.
• Initial notes should only be made subject to medical and legal advice.
• The Manual of Guidance recognises that statements should only be made after officers have overcome any initial shock of the incident. Be guided as to when you are ready by medical advice, a solicitor or the Federation.

The full procedure is detailed in the guidance but please be assured that the Federation will guide and support you throughout this process. 

Federation PIP leaflet.