Recommendation - Derbyshire Constabulary, April 2026

The IOPC recommends that Derbyshire Constabulary should review and update its operational guidance and officer training on responding to suicide-related incidents to ensure officers clearly understand the legal powers available to them to remove items that pose an immediate risk to life. This should include clarification of the common law duty to protect life and how it applies to removing potentially harmful items, even where no criminal offence is involved.

This recommendation should assist in safeguarding suspects who pose an immediate risk to their own life.

Not accepted

I have reviewed the recommendation as the Head of Professional Standards at Derbyshire Constabulary and the delegated Appropriate Authority. 

I have taken the time to read the investigators report and have carefully considered the learning recommendation articulated by yourselves. I also take note of the communication between my DSI and your offices following liaison with our legal services. 

My view is that the learning recommendation is quite broad in the way it is written which make it very difficult to quantify and ensure its delivery. That said, we will ensure staff are reminded of their statutory powers to seize items when dealing with vulnerable individuals through our internal communication channels.