Recurring concern

Unsafe police operations near bodies of water

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First reported 7 Sep 2023•Latest report 14 Sep 2023

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes failures in police procedures, training, dynamic risk assessment, operational planning, supervision or other dedicated controls for patrols, pursuits, work or emergency activity conducted near bodies of water.

Not included

Excludes general public water-safety awareness, recreational water activities and open-water drowning controls where no police operational context is identified.
Excludes generic police training, communication or risk-assessment deficiencies unless they directly concern police operations near bodies of water.
Excludes physical hazards at bridges, weirs or other water locations where no deficiency in police operational controls is asserted.
Excludes emergency water rescue and post-incident response failures where the police near-water operation itself was not deficient.

Reports: 2
Individual concerns: 3
Date range: 2023–2023
Stated actions: 8

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary1

Metropolitan Police Service1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

14 Sep2023
Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton
Concerns raised1
1. Absence of effective dissemination, access and awareness of the "Working near Water Procedure"
This report raised 3 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 3
1. Action
  Disseminate the revised Working Near Water Procedure, provide access to its linked training, and direct frontline staff to complete the updated package.
  Stated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight ConstabularyStated planned
2. Action
  Implement the revised Working Near Water Procedure and require the associated training through the specified delivery arrangements.
  Stated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight ConstabularyStated planned
3. Action
  Disseminate the revised Working Near Water Procedure, link its e-learning package, and direct frontline officers and staff to complete the updated training.
  Stated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight ConstabularyStated planned
AI-generated summary

Marcel Maksymilian WOCHNA · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Marcel Maksymilian WOCHNA, aged 15, drowned in the River Itchen on 8 November 2021 after voluntarily entering the water to evade arrest. The inquest found that insufficient immediate action was taken by attending officers to attempt a rescue, and identified inadequate knowledge of the working near water policy. Principal concerns included lack of awareness of Cold Water Shock, rescue procedures, handcuffing risks near water, and the effective dissemination and awareness of the relevant procedure.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Absence of effective dissemination, access and awareness of the "Working near Water Procedure"
Wider context from the report
“4. Absence of effective dissemination, access and awareness of the Hampshire Constabulary "Working near Water Procedure" and the risks, mitigations and the need for necessary dynamic risk assessments set out therein. ”
Source location
Marcel Maksymilian WOCHNA · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Disseminate the revised Working Near Water Procedure, provide access to its linked training, and direct frontline staff to complete the updated package.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The Constabulary’s revised ‘Working Near Water Procedure’ will be disseminated to all officers and staff. In support of learning and understanding, this will include a link to the updated E-Learning package associated to this procedure. Frontline operational officers and staff will be directed to complete the updated training package.”

Source location
Response from Hampshire Constabulary
Page 2 · response
Published 18 September 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Implement the revised Working Near Water Procedure and require the associated training through the specified delivery arrangements.

Verbatim wording from the response
“I believe the implementation of the revised ‘Working Near Water Procedure’, that will mandate the ████████ally and in person, will sufficiently address the concerns set out in the Regulation 28 notice and will equip our officers and staff to maximise the safety of the public when working near water and prevent such tragic circumstances being repeated in the future.”

Source location
Response from Hampshire Constabulary
Page 3 · response
Published 18 September 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Disseminate the revised Working Near Water Procedure, link its e-learning package, and direct frontline officers and staff to complete the updated training.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The Constabulary’s revised ‘Working Near Water Procedure’ will be disseminated to all officers and staff. In support of learning and understanding, this will include a link to the adapted E-Learning package associated to this procedure. Frontline operational officers and staff will be directed to complete the updated training package.”

Source location
Response from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Page 2 · response
Published 18 September 2023
Open published response
7 Sep2023
North London
Concerns raised2
1. Failure to ensure safe cycling patrols and pursuits near bodies of water
2. Failure to manage the safety of cycle patrols near bodies of water
This report raised 5 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 5
1. Action
  Refresh cycle training, maintain deployment records, and prohibit operational cycling without current training.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completed
2. Action
  Deliver local cycle training covering pursuits, pursuit procedures, and risks of cycling near bodies of water.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completed
3. Action
  Maintain the updated MPS Water Intervention Risk Assessment addressing risks from water and water entry.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completed
1. Action
  Require Basic Command Units to establish management arrangements for deploying, using, and maintaining throw lines.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated planned
2. Action
  Provide throw-line access for officers conducting pre-planned operations near bodies of water.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completed
Respondent positions 1
1. Position
  Throw lines in marked emergency vehicles are considered to mitigate cycle patrol officers’ lack of immediate access to rescue equipment.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceExisting arrangements considered sufficient
AI-generated summary

Lamont Ashley Roper · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Lamont Ashley Roper was found dead at the bottom of Lock 17 after entering the canal following a cycling pursuit, a stop-and-search request, and a struggle with a police officer near the canal railings. The concerns included the availability of water-rescue equipment and resources, access to specialised divers, and the risks and training associated with police cycle patrols and pursuits near bodies of water.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to ensure safe cycling patrols and pursuits near bodies of water
Wider context from the report
“7. The Coroner recommends to the MPS that they provide specific training about cycling, whether during a pursuit or otherwise, near to the bodies of water in particular as there is a serious risk of future deaths occurring as a result of MPS cycle patrols and pursuits at up to 15mph [on electric bicycles] near bodies of water. The Coroner recommends that specific policies and training are put in place to ensure that such pursuits are undertaken safely and in a manner such as to mitigate risks of accidents or injury. ”
Source location
Lamont Ashley Roper · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 3 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure to manage the safety of cycle patrols near bodies of water
Wider context from the report
“2. If this not possible to source alternative water rescue equipment that can be carried by officers on cycle patrol, then the family considers that the risks of cycle patrols near to bodies of water outweighs the benefits. The Coroner recommends in the alternative that the MPS amends their policies and training to reflect the fact that cycle patrols alongside bodies of water are potentially very dangerous more so in the absence of water rescue equipment and that in these circumstances careful consideration to continuing the patrol will need to be undertaken at a senior level . ”
Source location
Lamont Ashley Roper · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Refresh cycle training, maintain deployment records, and prohibit operational cycling without current training.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Following this incident, at the beginning of 2022 the MPS reviewed and refreshed its cycle training and now maintains training and resourcing records, for the deployment of officers and staff who have received this training. From April 2023, officers and staff are not permitted to cycle operationally without this current training.”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police Service
Page 6 · response
Published 30 October 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Deliver local cycle training covering pursuits, pursuit procedures, and risks of cycling near bodies of water.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Training is delivered locally by trainers who have attended a Central Trainer’s Course on each Basic Command Unit/Operational Command Unit who in turn will train their officers and staff. The training includes a specific input about pursuits and an understanding of the MPS Pursuits Standard Operating Procedures is covered as part of the cycle training. Advice to officers and staff using cycles near to bodies of water is covered in the MPS patrolling risk assessments.”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police Service
Page 6 · response
Published 30 October 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Maintain the updated MPS Water Intervention Risk Assessment addressing risks from water and water entry.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The MPS Water Intervention Risk Assessment was reviewed and updated at the end of 2021 to outline the risk water and water entry pose. Additional measures include:”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police Service
Page 3 · response
Published 30 October 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Require Basic Command Units to establish management arrangements for deploying, using, and maintaining throw lines.

Verbatim wording from the response
“• Basic Command Units are to establish system management for the deployment, use and maintenance of throw lines.”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police Service
Page 3 · response
Published 30 October 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Provide throw-line access for officers conducting pre-planned operations near bodies of water.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Officers either specifically tasked with patrols by bodies of water, or part of planned operations, are required to have a throw line available to them. This may extend to access from a nearby vehicle.”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police Service
Page 3 · response
Published 30 October 2023
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Throw lines in marked emergency vehicles are considered to mitigate cycle patrol officers’ lack of immediate access to rescue equipment.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The circumstances of cycle patrol are the same as those of general patrol duties, in that they are not planned taskings or operations. Throw lines are now available in all marked emergency vehicles which mitigates the risk of officers on foot or cycle patrols having ready access to this provision.”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police Service
Page 3 · response
Published 30 October 2023
Open published response

Data last updated 7 September 2026

What this concern includes

Not included

Reports over time

Concerns raised1

Absence of effective dissemination, access and awareness of the "Working near Water Procedure"

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3

Concerns raised2

Failure to ensure safe cycling patrols and pursuits near bodies of water

Failure to manage the safety of cycle patrols near bodies of water

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.5

Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1

Actions described in response 3

Actions described in response 5

Respondent positions 1