Recall Of Traumatic Incident Likely to Differ from Body Worn Video

10 October 2025

Federation Reps have been hearing about how officers’ recall of a traumatic incident and their body-worn video may differ.

Delegates at the Police Federation of England and Wales’ Post-Incident Procedure (PIP) Seminar this week hear that PIP investigators should understand that such differences during split-second incidents are normal and have scientific explanations.

PIPs are carried out in all situations following police contact that have resulted in death or serious injury; revealed failings in command; or caused danger to officers or the public.

Many Federation Reps have been trained to the same level as a Post-Incident Manager (PIM) and can support officers through the PIP process. Effective PIPs mean officers are more likely to be able to keep working in the job they love.

 This year’s PIP Seminar also heard from a group of officers who have been involved in a PIP. They explained how the process worked, and how it affected them as officers and in their personal lives.

The lead Post-Incident Manager in that incident also recalled how he managed the situation, and the support given to the officers involved and how their force has strengthened its PIP procedures as a result.

 If officers are involved in a PIP, they 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, 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.