Navigating Post Incident Procedures: Insights from the Annual Police Federation PIP Seminar
On the 6th and 7th of October, JNP Legal Director Tony Williams had the honour of speaking at the Police Federation’s annual Post Incident Procedure (PIP) Seminar in Leatherhead.
For over 16 years, Tony has stood alongside police officers navigating the PIP process, while also training representatives who protect officer welfare during some of the most challenging moments of their careers. Having such depth of expertise on our team allows us to provide dependable, compassionate support when officers need it most.
In his presentation, ‘PIP: Is it Voluntary? Choice or Compulsion?’, Tony explored the fine balance between obligation and personal choice during post-incident investigations.
What is the PIP process, and how does it impact officers? Read on below to discover key insights from Tony’s session and learn more about how we can support officers through these procedures.
What is the Post Incident Procedure?
The Post Incident Procedure (PIP) is a critical framework within policing, yet it isn't widely understood. Even among serving officers and staff, many of whom only encounter it when faced with an unexpected, high-pressure situation.
The procedure governs independent investigations carried out under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This places a mandatory duty on the state to officially investigate serious incidents where police contact is involved. Specifically, PIP is initiated if a member of the public dies or sustains a serious injury while:
- Detained or under arrest by the police, or
- In contact with officers or police staff, where there is any indication that the interaction may have directly or indirectly contributed to the injury or death.
Because these situations can be overwhelming for everyone involved, the PIP process exists to ensure transparency and accountability, while protecting the rights and welfare of officers who are carrying out their duties.
Who is involved in a Post Incident Procedure?
PIP investigations are typically led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
These procedures are spontaneous; they can begin at any time, day or night, following a critical incident. Given the serious nature of these cases, they frequently attract significant media interest and public attention, adding an extra layer of pressure for the officers involved. Having experienced, dependable legal representation from the very start is essential to ensure officer welfare and rights are protected throughout the process.
Why Legal Representation is Important During a PIP
Officers involved in a PIP are known as Key Police Witnesses (KPW). They are required to provide detailed, formal accounts of what occurred to assist investigators and inform potential legal proceedings, such as a Coroner’s Court inquest.
That is where we as solicitors can help; providing clear, dependable legal advice and compassionate support to officers every step of the way.
Often the officers have had to deal with difficult and traumatic situations which have resulted in death or serious injury. They are the ones running toward threat, protecting the public, and administering lifesaving first aid in high-stress environments. A well-known example of a high-profile PIP is the investigation following the tragic shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes in 2005.
While the PIP framework has evolved significantly over the past two decades, the core objective remains the same: ensuring a thorough, fair investigation while safeguarding the health, welfare, and legal rights of the officers involved.
Police Federation’s annual PIP Seminar 2026
The annual seminar on the 6th and 7th of October focused on key strategies for navigating post-incident procedures and securing "best evidence" in cases. Discussions centred around the evolving role of Body-Worn Video, the profound impact of trauma on memory recall, and the intense psychological pressure officers face when attempting to reconstruct what happened and why.
"It was a privilege to present alongside experts in the field, including Hugh Davies OBE KC of Three Raymond Buildings, Leanne Moorhouse, Steven Noonan of the IOPC, and armed policing specialist Kevin Nicholson from the College of Policing. Events like this offer an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge and continuously improve how we support officers across all sides of the post-incident framework."
- Tony Williams, Director at JNP
Balancing Legal Duties with Officer Welfare
In his keynote presentation, ‘PIP: Is it Voluntary? Choice or Compulsion?’, Tony addressed the delicate balance between an officer’s legal and professional obligations and their personal wellbeing. Officers are expected to provide detailed information under incredibly difficult circumstances, where they themselves have often experienced trauma and are emotionally and physically exhausted. They have likely had little time to stop and reflect on what they have witnessed.
Tony highlighted the vital steps legal advisors must take in these high-stakes moments:
- Accountability: Ensuring organizations like the IOPC carry out their duties responsibly and transparently.
- Protection: Safeguarding officer rights, mental health, and welfare at every stage.
- Clarity: Supporting officers to deliver accurate, considered evidence that brings clarity to investigators, courts, and affected families alike.
Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Community Support
Beyond the formal sessions, the seminar provided a welcome opportunity to reconnect with longstanding colleagues and build new relationships, all united by a shared commitment to delivering support to officers facing PIP investigations.
Looking forward, the Police Federation’s next annual seminar is scheduled for November 2027, and JNP strongly encourages all representatives, legal advisers, and force leaders involved in post-incident care to attend.
How JNP Legal Can Help
If you interested in learning more and what to discuss how we can offer help and support during the PIP process, whether through training or representation, then JNP is here to help.
Get in touch with Tony Williams and the JNP team today to discuss how we can support you and your officers.