The Commissioner has set up a scrutiny programme to hold Derbyshire Constabulary to account and provide the public with assurances around its performance.
There will be six Public Assurance Meetings each year, with each meeting shining a spotlight on one of the Commissioner’s six priorities to establish progress and identify any areas of concern in the Constabulary’s performance.
As your elected representative, the Commissioner ensures that Derbyshire Constabulary, led by Chief Constable Rachel Swann, remains focused on the priorities that matter most to you.
Firstly, the Chief Constable is required to provide the Commissioner with a formal written report detailing achievements and actions within the six priority areas. This report is reviewed, scrutinised, and published.
That scrutiny is a key part of the Commissioner’s role – to challenge, support, and hold the police to account in delivering safer communities.
Secondly, the Commissioner holds a Q&A session with the Chief Constable to highlight areas of concern raised by residents of Derbyshire. The questions and priorities discussed come directly from the public. These meetings are designed to shine a light on how those priorities are being addressed.
Part One
The Formal Report submitted for this PAM is available to view.
Part Two
Public Questions
There were 16 questions submitted from the public for this priority . Some are being answered via our casework process and will be answered outside of this Public Assurance Meeting.
1, If a neighbour is constantly using cannabis and the smell is filling your garden and house causing you to not want to be in the garden, how do the police react to this. Please note this has been reported numerous times. South Derbyshire
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
We have recently received a report similar to this in the South Derbyshire area. In that instance, officers attended the address in question and spoke with the occupant, who kindly allowed entry into the property. Following a thorough assessment, no noticeable odours, controlled substances, or drug-related paraphernalia were identified. The attending officer was satisfied that there was no evidence of drug production at the premises.
As part of our response, we also liaised with Environmental Health and South Derbyshire District Council to ensure they were aware of the situation, particularly in case the reported smells were due to other environmental factors.
In cases of this nature, all information provided is carefully reviewed and recorded. Where appropriate, we assess whether there are sufficient grounds to apply for a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act through the Magistrates Court. This is a process we regularly undertake and have seen positive outcomes as a result.
We recognise that in some situations, entry to a property may not be granted voluntarily. In such cases, we continue to evaluate the information available to consider the legal steps necessary to progress the investigation.
We encourage members of the public to continue reporting any concerns or information relating to controlled drugs to South Derbyshire Police. Your support plays a vital role in helping us keep our communities safe.
2, I have lived in Ilkeston for over 20 years, and it never felt as unsafe as it does now – what are the Police doing about the drug issues that seems to be bringing so many issues to the town. Erewash
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
So far in 2025 officers in Ilkeston have carried out 41 seizures of drugs classed as personal use. Officers have recorded and investigated 11 offences of possession with intent to supply drugs. Officers have recorded and investigated nine offences of importing drugs.
These investigations have led to 52 positive outcomes, and some investigations are still live, bearing in mind investigations of this nature do take time to come to an evidential position.
Officers have also conducted 96 Stop Searches conducted around S23 Misuse of Drugs Act in Erewash during 2025. Drugs have been found during 28% of these searches.
Our officers are always looking to develop intelligence, and we are very keen to hear from anybody with any information around drug activity in the area. Based largely on information from the public our Neighbourhood teams have been able to swear out and execute nine warrants across the area this year with some very positive results.
3, What can you do about the large and increasing number of cars, motorcycles and mopeds that are deliberately making very loads noises when travelling. Especially, those cars that ‘pop’ and ‘bang.’ This annoys residents and worries pets. Derby City
Police Response
My name is Lee, and I am the Inspector in charge of the Roads Policing Department. I work closely with CREST (our speed enforcement team) and the Local Policing Inspectors who are responsible for your local area.
Noise is not a ‘Fatal 4’ offence, and my teams focus is on these types of offences. These are speeding, use of mobile phones, drink / drug driving and seatbelt offences. These are called the Fatal 4 as they are the main contributor to fatalities in road collisions. I have taken the liberty of reviewing all killed or seriously injured collisions to date this year and by way of reassurance I can confirm that none have been caused by a contributory factor of excessive noise. As such my position and that of my Roads Policing Department will not change.
We do not have a complete disregard of this issue, and excessive noise caused by vehicles is a ‘gateway’ to stop and engage with the rider/drivers to enforce any construction and use offences found at the time.
I do understand the frustration it causes and sympathise with your plight, however as a force we have to direct our finite resources at the risk causing most harm. The Roads Policing Department supports Safer Neighbourhood Teams during operations targeting the Anti-Social use of vehicles in the City and throughout the County.
4, Will the PCC and the Derbyshire Constabulary urge the Government to decriminalise possession of drugs for personal use, as has happened in Portugal and elsewhere, in order to reduce petty crime related to drug addiction and in both ways release very large numbers of police to concentrate their efforts on bringing other types of offender to justice. Derbyshire Dales
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
Full details of the force’s response to drug dealing and substance misuse can be found on the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner website, Public Information > Public Assurance Meetings > Drug Dealing and Substance Misuse.
At the moment, Derbyshire Constabulary see drugs being at the centre of a lot of crime, Drug dealing is linked to a lot of violent crime, and we see a lot of communities complaining about public drug use which brings a big issue in terms of antisocial behaviour.
If the law changes, we will change our response accordingly.
To add to the above the force can apply discretion on outcomes for those found with drugs in certain cases based on a number of factors. This allows us to use out of court resolution whereby individuals can be referred to a variety of pathways to receive support, understand the consequences of their actions, working alongside partner agencies to achieve this. This is preventative rather than punitive.
5, Staveley still has a large drug problem which means antisocial behaviour becomes part of the issue, do you have plans to make Staveley a better place to live. Chesterfield
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
Officers are taking a proactive and community-focused approach to tackling drug-related issues. Regular patrols are being conducted to disrupt criminal activity and reassure residents. In addition, officers are conducting drop-in sessions at community hubs to strengthen engagement and provide a safe space for local people to raise concerns. Officers are also targeting the issue at its root by identifying and pursuing those involved in drug supply and working closely with the local council to enforce closure orders on identified suspects. Several individuals have already been charged, with sentencing expected in the coming weeks. Local community officers also frequently pay attention to areas which are identified as being affected by anti-social behaviour, to deter and protect members of the public. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to making our communities safer and reducing the harm caused by drugs and are proven by only one incident in relation to drug anti-social behaviour being reported to the police from Staveley within the last month.
6, Are the same number or more offenders being arrested since Specialised Squads such as Drugs Squad and Stolen Vehicle investigation unit have been closed in this Force? Derby City
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
It has been many years since we have had dedicated Specialised Drugs Squads and Stolen Vehicle Units, therefore it would be really difficult to accurately answer this question. In addition, increased scrutiny around the necessity for arrest, an increase in voluntary attendance interviews and more alternative outcome disposals such as cautions may actually result in fewer arrests for these offences. This trend can be seen both locally and nationally. Vehicle crime has also declined overall in the past ten years. Targeted operations still take place regularly in Derbyshire, in line with priority risk and threat areas and are often intelligence led. For example, in February 2025, a raid in Ripley led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, weapons, and cash and during Operation Limit in December 2024, 125 drink and drug drivers were arrested across Derbyshire in a successful targeted operation.
The force has evolved in how it deals with more serious issues and whilst it does not have a drugs or vehicle squad, it now has teams that are focussed on tackling drugs, such as the Organised Crime Gang Units and County Lines Teams.
7, Having recently narrowly avoided a collision with an e-scooter being ridden at speed in the dark without lights, I wish to ask why so little is being done to combat the menace of e-scooters. They are a menace to pedestrians and motorists alike. I am aware that some has been confiscated/destroyed, but in Derby city centre yesterday it was impossible to keep count of the number seen. It is reasonable to assume that practically everyone was being ridden illegally. Being so highly visible they must surely represent one of the very easiest offences that the police are required to deal with and bringing them to justice would be widely appreciated. Amber Valley
Police Response
It is illegal to ride an E-Scooter on any road, pavement, or other public area. This is due to them being classed as a vehicle and therefore require the correct documentation in order to be ridden on roads and is not possible to register and insure these vehicles, the only exemption for this is if they are being used as part of the Government E-Scooter trial, and the local council is part of this. In 2024 Derby City Council pulled out of the scheme and therefore making ANY E-Scooter being ridden on the road illegal.
Since November 2024 Derbyshire Constabulary has been undertaking an extensive enforcement operation to tackle the nuisance of E-Scooters. This has been featured in the local press and regional news. Up to the end of July we have seized 532 E-Scooters throughout Derbyshire.
8, I would like to ask why motoring and vehicle offences of practically every description appear to be routinely tolerated. A recent Neighbourhood Alert has importantly highlighted the dangers implicit in speeding, yet a large proportion of the vehicles (including HGVs) passing through Smalley where I live are in excess of the speed limit. Whilst Speedwatch is very worthy it appears to have no more than a momentary impact, having limited powers and with sessions being advertised in advance. Speeding apart, illegible/missing number plates, illegal window tints, defective headlights, pavement blocking etc are widely to be seen. Vehicle registrations surely make this the simplest of areas to police.
Police Response
My name is Lee and I am the Inspector in charge of the Roads Policing Department. I work closely with CREST (our speed enforcement team) and Insp Winterbottom, the Local Policing Unit Inspector for your area.
Thank you for writing into us and highlighting your concerns in Smalley. Whilst I have only recently commenced as the Department Inspector, I have a history in Operations and have a real passion for reducing casualties and speed on our roads by targeting the ‘Fatal 4’ (speeding, use of mobile phones, drink / drug driving and seatbelt offences).
Presently we are working with local officers and the local Inspectors to try and reduce the problems you highlight, below are some of the methods we are utilising:
- Speed sites – With officers stood at the side of the road or mobile. At these sites we have devices capable of disabling vehicles should they choose not to stop for us
- Static camera vans that park in various identified locations throughout the county – These are usually positioned by collision data / user request or complaint.
- Static speed cameras – Fixed position yellow cameras positioned around the county.
- Community Speed watch – Members of the local community assisting us in detecting speeders.
- Drones – Used to identify and follow speeding motorcyclists / vehicles.
- In car systems – We have speed detection kit fitted in all our Roads Policing vehicles.
- Motorcyclists – We deploy Police Motorcyclists each day into areas to target the issues you raise.
- Campaigns – You will no doubt been aware of the National campaigns that are held to target the criminal use of the roads, speed, young drivers, uninsured drivers, 2Wheel Operation and drink drive.
- Designing out the problem – Speaking with / lobbying the local councillors and asking for traffic calming measures to be introduced, speed signs, speed cameras, humps in the road and so on.
- Bikesafe – an educational session for motorcyclist, ran by police officers to educate riders to reduce the number of killed or seriously injured road traffic collisions.
9, How can the force work better with the CPS, the courts and others to improve the conviction rate for rape and other serious offences? Amber Valley
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
Derbyshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service have a very close working relationship at all levels, ultimately being overseen by the Chief Constable. Derbyshire has some of the best conviction rates in the country, however we recognise that in the area of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences improvements are required. This is true for all forces nationally and lot of work has been undertaken to address this (Op Soteria). As part of this we are working with all partners, including His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service, to work as closely with victims as possible whilst they wait for cases to be heard which can take some time. Where a conviction is not secured in many cases, we do examine with CPS what the reasons are and what could have been done to increase the chances of a conviction, accepting of course that this will not always be achievable.
Criminal Justice System
10, Does the Chief Constable have any plans to extend the scope/use of restorative justice as a resolution for some groups of crimes. Derby City
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
Derbyshire Constabulary recognises that in the right circumstances the use of an Out of Court Resolution (OOCR), which includes restorative justice, gives an opportunity to deliver a good outcome for the victim whilst reducing the likelihood of persons reoffending. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and increase our use of OOCRs and will consider a wide range of offences. In May 2025 we established an OOCR hub that is ensuring a consistent approach to the use of these and exploring opportunities to use as widely as possible. There is a robust process to ensure that the use of OOCRs is only used in the right circumstances where it is the best thing for the victim and reduces the likelihood of reoffending.
11, Given the increase in Fly Tipping and littering in general why can we not employ more CCTV cameras to catch the criminals? Erewash
Police Response
Enforcement against fly tipping and public CCTV is generally the responsibility of the local authority. In Erewash, the police work closely with the council through our Community Safety Partnership and have regular tasking meetings where local priorities are discussed and this can include matters such as the placement of cameras.
12, Do you think the Criminal Justice System is failing the Police. Recently our Scheme Members helped the Police collect information on a local known drug dealer. He only received a 2-year suspended sentence for his offences and then 6 months later he is convicted of murder. A stronger system would have saved Police man hours, a person’s life and terrified residents having to endure watching him strutting our streets and carrying on with his drug dealing. Erewash
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
The police are part of the Criminal Justice System (CJS), and it is important that we all work together to support victims and bring offenders to justice. Sentencing remains the domain of the judiciary and ultimately it is for them to make decisions based on all the information known to them.
13, I was recently a victim of a crime: attempted arson by a neighbour. I chose to not have the perpetrator contacted and the crime pursued, for fear of retaliation. What is/can be done to protect victims from retaliation for reporting a crime? Derbyshire Dales
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
Where a crime is reported and a suspect is identified officers carry out an assessment to identify any risks and then implement a plan of how to manage those risks.
Where victims of crime report offences and provide evidence to us, the police will assess how to safeguard them or their property. This might be putting bail conditions on suspects who are arrested, target hardening addresses and considering CCTV or other security measures. Where a potential threat is identified then we engage with our partners in the local authority, housing providers and fire service to manage any risk. In the case mentioned, if any ongoing risk had been identified then fitting a fireproof letterbox and a visit from fire service might have been the course of action taken. Alongside increased patrols by police officers.
Victims of crime who provide evidence and have to attend court are supported by Witness Care Officers and special measures can be put in place if required for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses. A full explanation of these can be found at Special Measures | The Crown Prosecution Service
Retaliation for reporting offences is not common, but I know that it is a genuine concern for many people, if the person posing the question would like any further help or advice then they are welcome to contact their local SNT officer who would be happy to visit them and provide that support, I would encourage people to report any concerns that they have to us so that we can address these and prevent further offences.
Independent charity Home – Victim Support can also provide help and advice to victims of crime.
Police Presence
14, Despite Ilkeston market place being designated a PSPO there has been an alarming amount of drinking leading to antisocial behaviour. Sadly, many of the perpetrators appear to be unemployed and consequently have little else to do. They can misbehave knowing that there is little or no police presence. It’s becoming uncomfortable to walk through the market place even in midafternoon. Erewash
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
The Ilkeston Safer Neighbourhood Team have a patrol strategy in place as part of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative which mandates dedicated foot patrols for two officers in Ilkeston Town Centre for a minimum of two hours per day at key times, in addition to usual patrols by the SNT and other officers. In reality it is likely to be significantly more than two hours on most days. These patrols are directed during the hours that are statistically most likely to be impactive. This is supported further by dedicated Hotspot patrols from officers performing Operation Shango duties (Operation Shango targets and disrupts street based Anti-Social Behaviour through the attendance of uniformed PCs and PCSOs in marked vehicles conducting Hotspot Policing patrols). Again, these patrols are informed by statistics and are active five days per week during peak hours.
Since the beginning of July officers at Ilkeston have issued 28 PSPO warnings and three fixed penalty notices for breaching the terms of the PSPO. It should be noted that there is a strict process that must be followed, and this involves warning first on every occasion. On many occasions officers have either seized alcohol from those responsible or the persons have poured the alcohol away themselves prior to being spoken to by police. This matter is an agreed local priority, and we will continue to treat it with the upmost importance.
15, I was shopping in Waitrose, Buxton when another customer informed staff that someone was stealing bottles of alcohol. The thief left the store, and a male member of staff gave chase. He brought the thief back to the store, retrieved the stolen goods, and the thief left. I spoke to the member of staff offering to be a witness for the Police report. I was told these instances are not reported as the Police never follow up. The next day I saw that a PCSO was on duty outside Boots, Buxton to ‘reassure members of the public’. My question is this – how is it a more effective for Police to chat with members of the public, rather than actually investigating crime and bringing criminals to justice. High Peak
Police Response
Buxton Safer Neighbourhood team have a very good working relationship with the retailors in Buxton Town Centre. In addition to the Police officers who respond to the 999 calls there is also PC Todd, PCSO Lester and PCSO Woodruff who are the local officers for Buxton Town Centre.
These officers work opposite shifts and patrol the town centre liaising with retailers. This also includes speaking with security who are permanently based inside the Springs Shopping centre where Waitrose’s entrance is situated.
I have also been down and spoken with the staff at Waitrose who advised that they have not had any issues recently and feel comfortable calling Police if they do have any issues. I have spoken to security who also reported no issues.
The local neighbourhood officers will continue to work with the retailors to reduce the shop lifting and Anti-social behaviour related incidents.
16, Mostly, offenders feel they can get away with crime because the police are not visible. How can visibility be increased? High Peak
Police Response (See above video recording for Chief’s response)
We recognise that visibility plays a crucial role in deterring offending and increasing public confidence. To address this, we have implemented a series of targeted patrols focused on areas experiencing high levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB). These patrols are not random; they are informed by a thorough analysis of our local data, which allows us to identify the right locations and the most effective times to deploy our resources.
By using this intelligence-led approach, we ensure that our officers are present where they are most needed, increasing visibility and engagement with the community. This not only helps to disrupt offending behaviour but also reassures residents and strengthens trust in our policing efforts.
In addition to physical patrols, we are working closely with partners and community groups to share information and coordinate our presence, making sure our visibility is part of a wider, joined-up response. We also continue to review and adapt our deployment plans based on emerging trends and feedback from the public, ensuring our approach remains responsive and effective.