PW_4_2025

Focus on the SIGs – Motorcycle SIG

Visit to Staffordshire Police Road Policing Unit By Steve Lovegrove As motorcyclists, we are all aware of where we stand in relation to vulnerability on the road. Many of us have watched the deterioration of driving standards and within the same timeframe the reduction in road policing. We watched as resources able to deal with traffic issues and criminality were used elsewhere. Group with some of the vehicles and staff 7 5 A R Y 1950 SECTION UK

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S ome of us viewed, with some cynicism, the return of “road policing” guessing that it was just another buzzword to tick a box or two. Well, it’s no good having these opinions unless you know for sure what the real situation is. So, as part of the motorcycle SIG’s contribution to 75 years of IPA, we decided to find out for ourselves. In the spirit of friendship and to promote the IPA we requested and were given the opportunity to visit Staffordshire Road Crime and Reduction of Road Harm units. Our visit took place on Friday 20th June, with those attending meeting at an RVP close to Junction 14 of the M6. After a short briefing we set off south on the M6 where we had been given special permission to use the Highways works exit at Doxey near Stafford. Exiting at this point and crossing over to the very impressive modern, joint Highways Authority and Police unit on the northbound side.

On entering the site and finding our allocated parking area, we were greeted by head of operations for Staffordshire Police, Chief Superintendent Nicki Furlong along with Chief Inspector Scott McGrath and Inspector Sion Hathaway. After a photo session we entered the main Police Office on the ground floor and into the briefing area. Once everyone was seated with a welcome brew, Nicki gave a short introduction and indicated quite clearly her force’s determination in reducing crime and road harm. Scott and Sion then took over with an excellent presentation of the structure, strategy and tactics of what is actually two units - there being a 24/7 Road Crime Unit and a daytime Prevention of Road Harm Unit. Serving both units is a Collision Investigation Team, a Forensic Collision Investigation team and a team of Family Liaison Officers. There is also a small team run by officers on overtime escorting wide loads, with two special vehicles. It was interesting to note that no “On Duty” officers are used, it is self-funding and actually makes a profit, which is ploughed back into Road Policing. It was very clear that everything was intelligence driven and all officers going on patrol knew exactly what they would be targeting. Although having been in existence at a less intense level for some time, The Road Crime Unit started 24/7 operations just over six months ago and, if their record so far is anything to go by, it has justified the investment. After the presentation, gifts were exchanged. We then split into groups and were taken on a tour of the establishment. In the FLOs’ office we met PC Tracy Hampton, who explained the role, the workload shared with her three colleagues and the close relationship to the collision investigation team. Moving on to the Collision Investigators we met PC Matt Brailsford and a number of his colleagues. We learned that the officers on the team are dedicated investigators who obtain and collate all that is needed by the Coroner and CPS where appropriate. All forensic evidence gathering is carried out by the Forensic Investigators.

Welcome from Supt Furlong

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POLICE WORLD Vol 70 No.4, 2025