Why UK Police Do Not Chase Motorcyclists: Balancing Risk and Responsibility

The decision by UK police forces not to chase criminals on motorcycles, even when they discard their protective gear, is rooted in a profound awareness of the extreme risk involved. Given the high probability of severe or fatal injury, doing so is often deemed not to be worth the potential reward. This article explores the rationale behind this decision, the legal implications, and real-life examples to illustrate the complexities involved.

Understanding the Risks

The risks associated with motorcycle pursuits are significant and multifaceted. Motorcyclists, by default, are already at a higher risk of injury due to their exposure and vulnerability. This vulnerability is compounded when law enforcement officers choose to chase a motorcyclist, heightening the chances of a collision or a tragic incident. The decision to abandon protective gear further increases the potential for serious harm.

Historically, there have been tragic cases where innocent parties, including young people, have been caught in the crossfire during motorcycle pursuits. These incidents underscore the severe consequences of such decisions. For example, if a police pursuit results in injury or death, the officers involved could face severe legal repercussions, including manslaughter charges.

Legal Implications: Vicarious Liability

Police forces operate under the principle of vicarious liability. This means that if an officer's actions result in injury or death, the force can be held legally accountable, even if the officer's actions were not intentional. The consequences can be profound, potentially leading to downtime, financial costs, and reputational damage to the force.

A pertinent case involved a juvenile shoplifter who was chased by store management and police in a scenario that tragically ended with the young man attempting to escape on foot. As the officer approached, the lad darted in front of a 38-ton truck, making a dangerous maneuver. A subsequent fight ensued, and the store manager and detective faced the potential for a manslaughter prosecution, all for a small theft. This incident highlights the potential legal ramifications faced by police and other parties when engaging in high-risk pursuits.

Examples of Real-Life Incidents

One such incident involved a young motorcyclist who discarded his helmet after being pursued by the police. The decision to chase the motorcyclist, despite the evident risks, ultimately led to a fatal accident. The young rider was hit by a vehicle while attempting to evade the police, resulting in a tragic loss of life. Such cases serve as stark reminders of the importance of safety measures and the potential consequences of high-speed pursuits.

Officer Accountability and the Ethical Dilemma

When an officer decides to chase a motorcyclist, they must consider the potential risks to public safety and personal accountability. The officer who approved the pursuit must weigh the potential threat to the public, the cyclist, and themselves against the objective of apprehending the criminal. In some instances, the decision to chase can lead to disastrous outcomes, as demonstrated in the aforementioned case.

The ethical dilemma faced by officers is significant. On one hand, they must enforce the law and apprehend criminals. On the other hand, they must prioritize the safety of all individuals involved, including themselves, civilians, and especially motorcyclists who are already at a heightened risk of injury.

Conclusion

The decision by UK police not to chase motorcyclists is a reflection of a broader, more responsible approach to law enforcement. The potential for severe injury or fatality, combined with the legal implications of vicarious liability, makes such pursuits a high-risk activity. Despite the understandable urge to apprehend criminals quickly and efficiently, the emphasis must always be on safety and minimizing harm. The risks involved in motorcycle pursuits must be carefully weighed against the potential rewards, and officers must be vigilant about the safety of all parties involved.