Recommendation 1
IOPC recommendationThe IOPC recommends that managing officers at Stechford police station conduct an audit to establish whether additional approved methods of entry kits are required and to formally consider whether such equipment is being suitably located and managed.
This recommendation was made following the outcome of a Death and Serious Injury report that highlighted a problem with officers from Strechford police station being able to force entry into a property because they could not locate appropriate equipment in a timely manner. While the IOPC recognised that forces have dealt with funding issues in recent years, it was of concern that the officers in this case were unable to locate basic equipment in what could reasonably be described as a life and death incident.
Do you accept the recommendation?
Yes
Accepted action:
West Midlands Police have accepted the recommendations outlined by the IOPC. A local audit of Method Of Entry (MOE) kits was undertaken at Stechford Police station in response to the learning. A wider audit of MOE kit was then undertaken across the Force. The audit focussed on the following key points:
- How many are located at each location
- Where are these kits located
- Are officers aware of how to locate these
The responses identified the availability of MOE kits; their locations; access; storage and maintenance. The audit revealed that officers across Force Response, Neighbourhood Task Force and Gangs team are trained in the use of MOE kit. However, the audit highlighted the need to have more officers trained in the use of MOE. This is being addressed by the PSD Prevention & Intervention team in collaboration with WMP Learning & Development’