Derbyshire Police Fined After Officers Injured in Riot Training
Derbyshire police have been fined £60,000 following an incident during riot training in which several officers suffered injuries from petrol bombs. The event, which took place in Rotherham on 2 February 2021, involved 13 officers, four of whom incurred lower body injuries, including three who required hospital care.
Incident Details
The officers involved were equipped with flame-resistant clothing; however, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that they had not received adequate guidance on its correct usage. Consequently, they faced “significant and avoidable risks,” leading to permanent scarring and ongoing psychological impact for some of the officers.
The HSE’s investigation revealed deficiencies in the risk assessments concerning the preparation and deployment of the petrol bombs, as well as failures in implementing proper safety measures. The Derbyshire Constabulary ultimately pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations during a court hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court and was also ordered to pay £9,470 in costs.
Comments from Authorities
HSE inspector Jennifer Elsegood emphasised the necessity of conducting police training for hazardous situations without compromising officer safety. “High-risk training activities must be planned and controlled with the same care and professionalism expected in any other workplace,” she remarked, highlighting that the risks associated with the training should have been flagged in the constabulary’s risk assessments.
In response to the incident, Chief Constable Rachel Swann stated that the police force had taken the situation seriously and expressed a commitment to learning from the errors identified in the risk assessments. Swann acknowledged that the assessments related to the handling of petrol were inadequate and affirmed a regular review process to prioritise the safety of officers in the future. “We always look to prioritise the welfare of our staff and the public, and this court finding reflects our acknowledgment that on this occasion we failed to do so,” she added.
Impact on the Police Force
This incident raises important questions about the safety protocols in place for police training in the UK, particularly in scenarios involving potentially dangerous materials. It serves as a reminder that the rigours of training must be carefully managed to prevent harm to those tasked with maintaining public safety.
Background
Training for police officers, especially in riot situations, is crucial as it prepares them for real-world scenarios. However, the methods used must align with health and safety regulations to ensure the well-being of personnel. The fine against Derbyshire police marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about prioritising officer safety in high-risk training environments.
Source: Original Article
