A senior coroner has issued a stark warning to the Metropolitan Police Service, highlighting concerns about their pursuit policies and training following the death of a teenager in November 2022. Mary Hassell, the senior coroner for north London, issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report after the inquest into the death of 18-year-old Lewis Johnson, who died when the moped he was riding crashed during a police chase in east London.
The report, a formal mechanism used by coroners to raise concerns to relevant organisations to prevent similar fatalities, outlined specific areas where improvements are deemed necessary. These included the adequacy of training for officers involved in pursuits, particularly concerning the assessment of risk and the use of 'tactical contact' �� a manoeuvre where a police vehicle makes deliberate contact with another vehicle to bring it to a halt. The inquest heard evidence that suggested a need for clearer guidelines and more comprehensive training in these complex and high-stakes situations.
Lewis Johnson was riding a moped with a pillion passenger when officers initiated a pursuit in Hainault, east London. The chase ended tragically when the moped collided with a parked car. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) previously investigated the incident, concluding that the actions of the officers involved were in line with police policy, but acknowledged the need for continuous review and learning within police forces regarding pursuit management.
The implications of the coroner's report extend beyond this specific case, placing renewed scrutiny on the Met Police's operational procedures for vehicle pursuits. Such incidents often draw considerable public attention and concern, particularly regarding the balance between effective law enforcement and public safety. Critics of police pursuit tactics often point to the inherent risks involved, not only for those being pursued but also for innocent bystanders.
In response to the report, the Metropolitan Police Service has confirmed it is carefully reviewing the coroner's findings and recommendations. A spokesperson for the force stated their commitment to learning from all incidents and ensuring their policies and training remain robust and effective in protecting both officers and the public. The force is expected to provide a detailed response to the coroner's report within 56 days, outlining the steps it intends to take to address the concerns raised.