Ryan Patrick BOYLE · Prevention of Future Deaths report

The inquest into Ryan Boyle’s death was opened on the 27th February 2013 and was concluded, following an adjournment, on the 6th June 2014.

The cause of death was:
1a – Head Injury.

The Jury concluded with a narrative conclusion:

On 21st February 2013 at approximately 7.43pm, Ryan Patrick Boyle was driving a silver Lexus ████████ alone in South Godstone.
Following observation by a stationary unmarked police vehicle and a prolonged visual interaction with the police officer, suspicion was aroused and a moving vehicle check was initiated.
As a result of the moving vehicle check, the Force Control Room (FCR) Operator informed the police vehicle that the Lexus had a void record; the police officers decided they wished to stop the Lexus.
Blue lights and sirens were put on and a pursuit commenced.
The Dynamic Risk Assessments made by the police were adequate and the Dynamic Risk Assessments by the FCR were insufficient.
On the balance of probabilities, it was acceptable for the pursuit to continue.

Ryan Patrick Boyle died as a result of a Road Traffic Collision.

On 21st February 2013 at approximately 7.43pm Mr Boyle, a 19 year old cable engineer, was driving his uninsured motor vehicle on the A22. He was pursued by an unmarked Surrey Police vehicle and the Officers conducted a moving vehicle check up it. Following receiving information the vehicle had a ‘void’ marker, the Officers decided to stop the vehicle. Mr Boyle continued driving at speed despite the use by the Police vehicle of lights and sirens and was subsequently involved in a road traffic collision with other road users. The Jury found that the dynamic risk assessments conducted by the Force Control Room were insufficient.

1. Action is required to ensure that ALL force control operators and those likely to deal with a police pursuit are sufficiently trained and/or re-trained so that they understand their responsibilities, powers and obligations under force policy when dealing with a pursuit.

2. Action is required to ensure that there is an efficient and effective notification system (beyond the current practice of shouting) for controllers to notify supervisors and/or other members of Force Control Room staff that a pursuit has commenced.

3. Action is required to ensure that a minimum of two persons are monitoring the ‘Force desk’ at all times so as to allow effective dealing with any pursuits that might arise.