Wearing Seatbelts Under Police Custody In Police Vehicles

Keywords

Seatbelt, Police Vehicle, Custody

Publication Number

PUB 1207

FOI Reference Number

15371

Request Title

Policies/Procedures for Wearing Seatbelts Under Police Custody In Police Vehicles

Date Range

The data is correct as at 19th Feb 2021.

Information Requested

Policy/procedure pertaining to the wearing of seatbelts by passengers within a police vehicle (for example a passenger seated within a police vehicle following an arrest).

Specifically:

Whether a legal requirement exists for the passenger to wear a seatbelt?

Whether the legal requirement falls upon the passenger or the driver i.e. the police person driving the vehicle for passengers
i) under 16?
ii) and, over 16?

If there is not a legal/procedural requirement whether police are required to fit a seatbelt for a person who may be unable to (for example because they are wearing handcuffs/have a physical impairment)?

What procedure is followed if a passenger in custody:
i) refuses to wear or comply with the wearing of a seatbelt for any reason
ii) and, is unable to wear a seatbelt, or produces a medical exemption certificate that shows they are not required to wear one?

Disclosure with Exemptions

Full Disclosure

Information Correct as at

The data is correct as at 19th Feb 2021.

Date of Disclosure

23rd June 2021

Related Documents/Links

FOI 15371 Response

Having completed enquiries within Essex Police in respect of Section 1(1)(a), Essex Police does hold information relating to your request.  Under Section 1(1)(b) the below has been provided in relation to your request:

The data is correct as at 19th Feb 2021.

E 0102 Procedure – Violent Detainees

Within 3.1 -  bullet points The detainee should sit behind the front passenger seat and where possible wear a seatbelt;

E 0116 Procedure – Transportation of Persons by Essex Police Officers and Staff

The requirement to wear a seat belt does not apply to staff where a vehicle is being used for police purposes or for carrying a person in lawful custody. Use of seatbelts by/on detainees (subject to welfare exceptions) assists in the control of such detainees and maintains their and officer safety.

Wearing seat belts is, however, encouraged and should be considered on a case by case basis, subject to a dynamic risk assessment.

Essex Police trusts that the links and information provided is of assistance. Thank you for your interest in Essex Police.