A police video showing competitors being fatally injured during racing has prompted scrutiny after its release caused distress to affected families.
The footage, intended to highlight road safety, was published without prior consultation with the families, leading to calls for stricter review processes.
Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Jane Poole-Wilson expressed regret over the upset caused, stating, “I must first state my regret at the upset that was caused by the relevant section of the video in question. This was, of course, not the intention, but nevertheless, I recognise that individuals have been distressed as a result.”
She emphasised the operational independence of the Chief Constable but confirmed changes had been made to prevent a repeat.
Triggering
Tim Glover, who raised the issue, questioned the lack of family permissions, noting the video forced relatives to relive traumatic events. “Were permission sought, though, from the families before? This video release was a big triggering event for these families and caused immense upset,” he said.
In response, Mrs Poole-Wilson said: “The constabulary believe that the footage used was already in the public domain, which is why no consultation took place.”
Mr Glover pressed for details on the review process, calling the footage “a whole new ghoulish level” compared to past depictions of machinery crashes.
Mrs Poole-Wilson confirmed a new clearance system had been introduced, adding, “If there is anybody else with any concerns, they may please raise those with the Constabulary.”
The incident coincides with a second year of no fatalities during the TT event period, a milestone the Minister hailed as progress for road safety.
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