Post Incident Procedures Seminar 1 and 2 October 2024

3 October 2024

The event provided valuable practical insights, relevant case studies and best practices in line with the APP.

The second consecutive Post Incident Procedures (PIP) Seminar took place at Federation House on 1 and 2 October, drawing a full house eager to engage with the latest developments in post-incident protocols.

Hosted by Leigh Godfrey, the National Board PIP lead and Region 7 representative, this year’s seminar was again sponsored by Axon, a key player in law enforcement technology.

The first address was from retired Metropolitan Police Service officer Dave Blocksidge, who now serves as a teacher and researcher specialising in memory formation.

Mr Blocksidge examined the psychological and physiological factors that can affect memory and recall in high-stress situations, emphasising their significant implications for PIPs.

His insights underscored the importance of understanding how trauma can impair memory, which in turn can affect the outcomes of investigations and procedural integrity.

Following on, Andy Gray of Axon spoke of officer welfare and the work Axon is involved with in supporting officers who have experienced trauma in the line of duty.

Following, a series of speakers explored various influencing aspects of PIPs, threading a theme that focused on an understanding of the human factors that influence a PIP.

Colin Reynolds, solicitor, emphasised the importance of a Fed rep being present throughout the process, a ‘friendly face’ on officer welfare, and how an officer’s recall ability is key.

Chief Medical Officer John Harrison highlighted how psychological and trauma health management, and cognitive overload, or critical incident stress management, can impact an officer's ability to accurately recall events.

Professors Fiona Gabbert and Lorraine Hope further examined research findings that illustrate the complexities of eyewitness memory, including how misinformation and environmental factors can distort recollections.

Over day one of the seminar the common theme was not solely procedural guidelines but was deeply rooted in the psychological wellbeing of officers involved in critical incidents.

This theme of mental welfare was echoed throughout the presentations, reinforcing the idea police officers are witnesses, not suspects, in the narrative of a post-incident review.

Day two shifted focus towards a more technical examination of PIPs, emphasising the external factors that can influence the effectiveness of these procedures.

The session featured Metropolitan Police Service Chief Inspector Pete Dearden, who brought a wealth of experience from his involvement in more than 30 PIPs.

His insights provided attendees with a practical perspective on how operational environments can shape the handling and outcomes of incidents.

Alasdair Drennan, a former Home Office official and now a senior associate at Schillings Communications, addressed the communicative frameworks that support, or undermine, policing. He stressed the importance of clear communication and robust procedures to ensure no information vacuum forms and is filled by public and social media.

From the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Operations Manager Liz Parsons emphasised officer welfare remains a paramount concern for the organisation.

She highlighted the IOPC’s commitment to fostering an environment where officers feel supported and are encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences. This openness not only aids in the development of best practices but also enhances the overall resilience of policing protocols.

From a legal perspective Tony Williams of JNP Legal discussed strategies for achieving best evidence during PIPs.

He reiterated a critical point repeated by many of the speakers: officers involved in incidents are witnesses and should not be treated as suspects. This fundamental principle is crucial for maintaining trust within the police force and ensuring fair treatment for all officers.

Closing the seminar, a panel discussion featuring Leigh Godfrey, Tony Williams, Dave Blocksidge, Alasdair Drennan, and Liz Parsons provided an opportunity for attendees to engage and ask questions that may have arisen over the two days.

The PIPs Seminar at Federation House is becoming a vital annual event. This year a focus on psychological factors, procedural integrity, and officer welfare in post-incident scenarios was echoed across all speakers.

As policing continues to evolve, understanding PIP is crucial in shaping practices that prioritise both the effectiveness of the procedures and the wellbeing of officers.