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 reviews 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 raises questions submitted by residents with the Chief Constable to highlight areas of concern. These questions and priorities come directly from the public. The reviews are designed to shine a light on how those priorities are being addressed.
The Formal Report submitted for this PAM is available to view.
Public Questions
There were 8 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.
Supporting Victims
1, How are victims protected from retaliation by people who have committed a crime against them, but are still in the community? Orders to abstain from contact are not effective. This problem deters victims from pursuing a crime, when it’s likely that there will be no custodial sentence. Derbyshire Dales
Police Response
There are a range of protective measures available that go beyond simple “no contact conditions”.
Restraining Orders can be imposed following conviction or acquittal. These may include exclusion zones, prohibitions on indirect contact, and positive requirements. Breaching a restraining order is a criminal offence.
Stalking Protection Orders can be applied for by the force even where no charge has been brought. These orders can prohibit contact and may include requirements such as surrendering devices or attending behaviour-change programmes.
Additional options include Non- Molestation Orders and Criminal Behaviour Orders, which provide further safeguards in appropriate cases. Other tools such as Domestic Violence Protection Orders and restraining orders under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 further support victims needing immediate and longer‑term safety from stalking, harassment, or domestic abuse.
Alongside these legal measures the force offers tailored crime prevention and safety advice to victims and witnesses. We also make clear to perpetrators the serious consequences of any retaliation or repeat behaviour, including potential offences such as witness intimidation or harassment. Furthermore, the force works proactively to address the underlying causes of offending through intervention programmes and treatment orders, aiming to reduce harm and prevent reoffending.
2, How are you supporting people living next to Planned Unauthorised Traveller sites, and what laws are in place to prevent this from continually happening? South Derbyshire
Police Response
Derbyshire County Council (DCC) is the lead authority for planning and enforcement regarding unauthorised developments. South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) has only a limited role in this process.
From a policing perspective, our responsibility is to respond to reports of crime or anti-social behaviour. Since the initial development began, there have been no such reports. We will continue to monitor and respond accordingly.
Matters such as blocked public rights of way and water pipe installations fall under DCC’s planning and highways responsibilities, and we have been working to ensure these issues are directed to the appropriate agencies.
We are aware of concerns relating to vehicle licensing and tax compliance, and these will be addressed as part of our wider road safety initiatives throughout December and January.
Planning legislation, managed by DCC, is in place to prevent unauthorised developments, and enforcement remains the responsibility of the local authority.
3, If a public order offense occurs and the person admits to commuting the offense, why are they not charged? Why is the victim blamed for the offense instead, especially when the police never go to meet with the victim face to face. Also, why is support not offered for the time it is needed, only a few short sessions then you are left to deal with it on your own? Erewash
Police Response
People are not always charged to court for several legitimate and necessary reasons within the criminal justice process. A charge can only be brought when there is enough admissible evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. If the available evidence is weak, contradictory, or does not meet the required threshold, a case cannot proceed. Even where evidence exists, prosecutors must assess whether pursuing a case is in the public interest. Factors such as the seriousness of the offence, the circumstances of those involved, and the likely impact of prosecution all play a role.
In some cases, particularly those involving vulnerable victims, a prosecution may not proceed if the victim does not support it and there is no alternative evidence. While the victim’s preference is not the deciding factor, it is considered alongside safety and evidential issues.
Sometimes out‑of‑court disposals or diversionary interventions are more appropriate. These options can address offending behaviour, protect victims, and prevent reoffending without the need for court proceedings.
Overall, the decision not to charge is never taken lightly; it reflects the legal tests that must be met, the evidence available, and the need to balance justice, fairness, and public protection. This decision is often made in consultation with CPS.
Safeguarding
4, When gypsies are obviously targeting elderly residents with their roof or driveway cleaning, attempting to extort significant amounts of money for these services, and are clearly not targeting younger or middle aged residents, why are you not treating it as elder abuse/a crime? Derbyshire Dales
Police Response
Uninvited “roof/driveway” work, pressure‑selling, and inflated bills are indicators of doorstep crime and can amount to offences under the Fraud Act 2006 (fraud by false representation) and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (misleading actions/omissions, aggressive practices). Trading Standards and policing bodies recognise that offenders frequently target older or isolated people and that reporting rates are low, requiring proactive safeguarding and intelligence‑led enforcement.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) sets specific guidance for cases involving older victims. Prosecutors must be satisfied there is a realistic prospect of conviction on admissible evidence and that prosecution is in the public interest. Age‑related vulnerability is treated as an aggravating factor at sentence, but there is no separate “elder abuse” offence; we therefore charge the strongest provable offences (e.g., fraud, harassment, burglary) once the evidential threshold is met.
The terms “Gypsies” or “Travellers” refer to ethnic groups protected under the Equality Act 2010. We focus on individual offending behaviour (rogue traders/organised crime) and the impact on victims, not on identity. Language and enforcement that generalises about a protected group risks discrimination and undermines trust.
5, I think PCSO officers should have much more personal protective equipment (PPE). I think the disgraceful lack of equipment for these front line officers leaves them vulnerable to not being able to defend themselves and thereby not available to protect us members of the public. These front line officers are not just for show. Amber Valley
Police Response
The force has a statutory duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, and conducts comprehensive risk assessments to identify the hazards PCSOs may encounter and the control measures required to minimise those risks.
All PCSOs are issued with personal protective stab vests and equipped with a force‑issue radio, enabling them to request immediate assistance when necessary. They receive training in defensive techniques appropriate to their role, allowing them to safeguard themselves and assist warranted officers with restraint where required. This training aligns with the College of Policing curriculum and reflects the defined PCSO role profile.
PCSOs do not hold the same warranted powers as police officers and, in law, are not classified as ‘authorised individuals. Consequently, they are not permitted to carry additional protective equipment such as batons or PAVA spray.
By contrast, all Derbyshire Police officers are issued with a stab vest, radio, handcuffs, limb restraints, PAVA spray and a baton as standard. Officers receive training in both defensive and offensive tactics, ensuring they are fully equipped to protect themselves, colleagues and the wider public.
6, I think it is ok to be safeguarded but the criminals keep on stalking. I would like to know what is the safe guarding exactly for. Derby City
Police Response
Safeguarding is designed to protect individuals from further harm by assessing the risks they may be exposed to and putting practical measures in place to reduce those risks. It considers how an offender is behaving, the methods being used to target someone, and what actions can be taken to limit opportunities for continued harassment or intimidation. Measures may include tailored safety planning, improving home or personal security, and ensuring rapid access to police assistance when needed. Practical measures such as issuing SMART Water, maintaining critical register details, enabling direct alert apps, and providing lend-a-cams are utilised to enhance protection.
We also proactively target the perpetrator and their offending, recognising that preventing further offending is the most effective way of safeguarding the victim.
Safeguarding also recognises the emotional and psychological impact of being repeatedly targeted. Support from agencies such as social care, housing, health services, or specialist victim‑support organisations may be provided to ensure overall wellbeing is considered alongside physical safety.
As part of this process, safeguarding helps ensure incidents can be reported safely and effectively. It enables closer monitoring by police, supports the gathering of evidence, and allows for interventions such as warnings or protective orders that restrict an offender’s behaviour while investigations continue.
Although safeguarding cannot immediately stop a persistent offender, it plays a crucial role in reducing risk, disrupting harmful behaviour, and building the evidence required for stronger enforcement actions such as arrest, charges, or court‑imposed restrictions. Ultimately, it ensures that all relevant agencies are working together to prevent further harm and to provide coordinated support.
7, Why in the derby city centre there are a lot of gangs of people which can make people uncomfortable? Derby City
Police Response
The force and Derby City Council have recognised ongoing concerns about anti‑social behaviour, including nuisance begging, drug and alcohol misuse, and groups gathering in certain locations. These behaviours can understandably make the environment feel less welcoming. In response, the force have deployed measures such as dispersal orders to move on individuals involved in anti‑social conduct and have increased targeted patrols in identified hotspot areas.
Overall, feelings of discomfort are often linked to the visibility of groups, anti‑social behaviour, or wider social issues such as begging or substance misuse, rather than organised criminal “gangs.” The force and the council continue to work jointly on enforcement, prevention, and public reassurance to improve both the reality and perception of safety in Derby City Centre.
Our Safer Neighbourhood Team in the city centre are very active and respond to local concerns such as this. Over the last six months, the Derby City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team has delivered a sustained programme of enforcement, problem solving, and community engagement focused on reducing harm and improving safety in the city centre. Drug related activity has been a major priority, with proactive stop searches, targeted arrests, the disruption of dealers, and the identification of two commercial cannabis grows linked to organised crime. The introduction of Operation ClearGrow now provides a systematic approach to monitoring vacant commercial premises to prevent their exploitation for cannabis cultivation.
The team has taken a leading regional role in tackling illegal e bikes and e scooters, including high profile operations that attracted national attention. At least 40 e scooters have been seized in the last six months, alongside an average of two to three illegal e bikes each week. Multi agency activity under Operation Surron has further strengthened this approach.
Problem solving work has delivered meaningful outcomes, particularly through Problem Management Plans addressing drug activity, exploitation, and antisocial behaviour in areas such as Lambe Court, Spa Lane, and Rouche Court. Enforcement, safeguarding, and tenancy action have resulted in significant reductions in calls for service and improved community confidence.
Under Operation Trapped, the team has acted decisively on intelligence relating to exploitation and modern slavery, closing five brothels operating from AirBnB properties and taking action at several other high risk commercial premises. Work with Derby Homes has addressed multiple cuckooed properties, resulting in arrests and tenancy interventions.
Weapons enforcement remains a routine part of the team’s work, with weekly seizures removing items such as knives, machetes, and a taser from circulation. In addition, targeted hotspot policing and high visibility patrols have supported continued reassurance and crime prevention across priority locations.
Operation Greenacre has strengthened the team’s public-facing presence, delivering daily visible policing on St Peter’s Street. The operation is actively monitored through public surveys, Business Improvement District feedback, and community forums, supporting broader aims to increase trust and confidence in the city centre.
8, A lorry is continually being parked, often on the pavement, near our residence. Is this legal. Usually in the daytime. Bolsover
Police Response
A lorry parked on the pavement is generally not permitted, especially if it is a heavy goods vehicle. Under the Road Traffic Act, heavy commercial vehicles over 7.5 tonnes must not park wholly or partly on a footway or verge unless doing so in an emergency or with permission from a police officer. Even when not covered by this specific offence, parking on a pavement can still be dealt with if the vehicle is causing an obstruction, restricting access for pedestrians, wheelchair users, or pushchairs, or creating a safety hazard. Local authorities also have the power to introduce their own restrictions, and many will take enforcement action if a vehicle is parked in a way that blocks the pavement or creates a nuisance.
If a lorry is regularly blocking the pavement near a residence, it can be reported to the local council’s parking enforcement team or to the police if it is causing a danger or obstruction.