Harrow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A man was arrested in Queensbury after allegedly assaulting a police officer during a pursuit, authorities confirmed. Investigation is currently ongoing.
This afternoon, July 21, police were observed attending to the incident in Queensbury, close to Ruth Close and the apartments across from the big Morrisons on Honeypot Lane.
The scenario “escalated,” according to one witness, who also told Harrow Online that “at least ten police vehicles were present at the scene.”
A Met Police spokesperson told Harrow Online:
“At around 13.55hrs on Monday, 21 July an officer called for assistance after being assaulted in Mary Close, Harrow.
He had pursued a man who ran from police following an abandoned call where a struggle was heard.
Officers attended the scene and arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the assault and being concerned in the supply of drugs. He was taken into custody where he remains.”
While investigations went on, police stayed in the area for a while.
What measures are being taken to prevent similar assaults during pursuits?
Agencies increasingly limit pursuits to situations involving violent crimes or when the suspect poses an imminent threat, avoiding chases for minor offenses. Supervisors often have to authorize pursuits and can order termination based on risk assessments.
GPS tracking devices can be deployed to tag and track suspect vehicles remotely, enabling officers to follow suspects without engaging in dangerous pursuits.Spike strips are used to safely deflate suspect vehicle tires, bringing chases to a controlled end.
Devices like the Grappler Police Bumper safely disable suspect vehicles without ramming.
Roadblocks and boxing-in techniques are employed, though often with strict rules or prohibitions depending on jurisdiction, to stop fleeing vehicles safely.
Precision intervention tactics (PIT maneuvers) conducted by trained officers can safely bring pursuits to a close.