Derbyshire Constabulary has been hit with a substantial fine of £60,000 following a serious incident during a riot training exercise that left four officers with life-altering injuries. The event, which took place at a training centre in Rotherham in February 2021, involved a simulated public disorder scenario where officers were exposed to what authorities have deemed "significant and avoidable risks."
Severe Injuries and Lasting Impact
During the drill, four police officers sustained burns to their lower bodies after coming into contact with petrol bombs. Three of the injured required immediate hospital treatment, and all have been left with permanent scarring as a result of the incident. Beyond the physical harm, the officers have also experienced ongoing psychological trauma, highlighting the profound personal consequences of the training mishap.
Health and Safety Failures Identified
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted a thorough investigation into the case, uncovering multiple critical failures by Derbyshire Constabulary. The force was found to have neglected its duty by not providing adequate information on personal protective equipment (PPE) for the officers involved. Additionally, there was a lack of suitable risk assessments specifically for the deployment of petrol bombs during the exercise, and safe systems of work were not properly implemented to mitigate dangers.
As a result of these findings, Derbyshire Constabulary pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety law. In addition to the £60,000 fine, the force was ordered to pay £9,470 in costs. Chief Constable Rachel Swann publicly acknowledged the shortcomings, stating that the failure to regularly review and update risk assessments contributed to the avoidable incident.
This case underscores the vital importance of rigorous safety protocols in police training environments, especially when dealing with high-risk simulations like riot scenarios. It serves as a stark reminder to law enforcement agencies across the UK to prioritise officer welfare and adhere strictly to health and safety regulations to prevent such distressing outcomes in the future.
