According to the Guardian, a law enforcement officer, who was found not guilty of reckless driving following a collision while rushing to the location of a terrorist incident, may still be at risk of losing their job.
Following a jury’s decision at Southwark crown court on Friday, PC Paul Fisher was found innocent, prompting the Metropolitan police commissioner to denounce his traumatic experience as “shocking”.
Two individuals were injured when Fisher’s car collided during the Streatham terrorist attack in February 2020 in south London.
However, he could potentially still undergo a hearing for severe incompetence, which could result in dismissal as the maximum punishment. This information was confirmed by a representative from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
According to a spokesperson from the IOPC, after conducting our investigation, we concurred with the Metropolitan police’s decision to hold a gross incompetence meeting for PC Fisher.
“We have concluded that the police officer who was driving the vehicle behind PC Fisher should also be subject to a meeting regarding their gross incompetence. After the verdict today, we will be working with the force to review this decision.”
In February 2020, Fisher, who is 46 years old, lost control of his unmarked BMW X5 and collided with a taxi driver’s Toyota. He then hit a Ford Fiesta and a wall while on his way to the scene of stabbings carried out by Sudesh Amman in Streatham, south London.
Following the decision of acquittal, Sir Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, stated that it is unjust for an officer to face criminal charges nearly four years after making honest mistakes while responding to a high-pressure and active terrorist situation.
That is why the way this courageous officer was treated by the systems of responsibility is shocking.
“The driving errors made by PC Fisher were made under the most intense pressure while trying to protect members of the public from a terrorist.
Instead of implementing a quick review, issuing warnings, providing retraining and conducting testing, almost four years of stress have passed since the incident.
The director general of the IOPC, Tom Whiting, responded to the recent statement made by the Met commissioner, who claimed that police were facing unjust treatment from those responsible for holding them accountable.
According to him, thorough and impartial examination is not a danger to law enforcement, rather it serves as a safeguard and aids in their duties by ensuring accuracy and providing assistance in rectifying mistakes.
Although it can be uncomfortable, accountability and scrutiny are crucial for individuals and organizations. If these measures are weakened, it could harm public trust.
Fisher reacted to the incident where Sudesh Amman obtained a large kitchen knife from a hardware store on Streatham High Road and proceeded to stab two individuals.
He was fatally shot just over a minute later after he charged at two undercover police officers who were tailing him.
The male and female drivers of the two cars that were involved in the accident with Fisher’s vehicle only suffered minor injuries.
Source: theguardian.com
