South Devon College Report 2025
South Devon College Report from 13th February 2025
This months Panel was shared by Lecturer Caroline Knight - South Devon College
With Chief Inspector Tom Cunningham, Karen Janicka (BWV Subject Matter Expert for Devon & Cornwall) and 38 members, participating in a one-off session
The following report identifies points to action, D&C Police responses, case assessments and outstanding areas that require investigation.
Body-Worn Video Assessment .
Body-Worn Video Assessment .
ASSESSING D&C POLICE STOP AND SEARCH (S&S)
South Devon College Report from 13th February 2025
Body-Worn Videos
Via Microsoft Teams, at the start of each case BWV Systems Administrator Karen Janicka, played the clip selected by the panel before members completed their anonymous assessment, discussed and submitted the below feedback.
Chief Inspector Tom Cunningham circulated this report with actions and recommendations to D&C Police Basic Command Unit, Operations Department, Learning and Development, Force Stop and Search Lead and Force Use of Force Lead.
All confirmed discussions, decisions and/or actions taken by officers and supervisors following receipt of the DCCS Panel report are identified in bold blue text.
Panel members use GOWISELY as part of their scrutiny assessment. It is an acronym that officers must use to provide information to a subject before the Stop and Search. If the GOWISELY procedure is not followed then the S&S is highly likely to have been unlawful.
GROUNDS of the search
OBJECT of the search
WARRANT card [if not in uniform]
IDENTITY [officer name & number]
STATION [where officer is based]
ENTITLEMENT to receipt
LEGAL power used
YOU are detained for S&S
UOF Case 1 - Male subject stopped on suspicion of drug misuse - detained for dangerous driving.
Investigation, responses and learning required with:
Communication: Some panel members observed that the officer could have spoken more slowly and clearly, especially given that the subject appeared intoxicated and had difficulty understanding.
Officer conduct: The initial approach by the officer was seen as aggressive by some panel members, which may have unnecessarily escalated the situation.
GOWISELY procedure: The GOWISELY procedure was not fully communicated. Panel members noted difficulties hearing the officer’s statement regarding entitlement, legal power, station, and identity.
Search process: One panel member highlighted that the suspect was not informed about the search before the officer unzipped his jacket. It was suggested that officers provide verbal commentary during searches to ensure transparency and understanding of actions.
Officer’s tone: Some panel members raised concerns about the officer’s tone, suggesting that a less abrupt manner could have facilitated better communication.
Vehicle safety: The officer did not ensure that the suspect had secured the vehicle’s handbrake before removing him from the car, potentially introducing unnecessary risk.
Actions to be commended:
Necessary: All of the panel assessed the S&S as necessary. The officer identified the suspect’s behavior and driving as indicative of potential drug misuse, justifying the stop and search.
Proportionate: Most of the panel believed the encounter was proportionate. However, some concerns were raised about the officer’s tone and initial approach.
Personal belongings were returned properly, and the officer ensured the suspect’s jacket was zipped up, showing consideration for their welfare.
Ethical: Most responses indicated that the stop and search was ethical. A few concerns were raised about communication style and demeanour.
Control: The coordination of the search was well executed, and the officer maintained safety and control throughout.
Communication: Some Panel members commended the officer for taking the time to explain details of the stop clearly, despite challenges in communication.
OVERALL PANEL RESPONSE
Officers should ensure clear and calm communication, particularly with subjects who speak English as an additional language. GOWISELY must be fully stated, ensuring all required elements are covered. A less abrupt manner at the outset of an encounter could help de-escalate situations and improve cooperation.
The DCCS Panel recognises that there are areas of excellent practice from this officer and areas of learning. May the former be a strong foundation for the latter.
UOF 1 BWV ASSESSMENT
D&C POLICE RESPONSE TO UOF BWV 1
Officer’s response not received
UOF Case 2 - Male subject in bar suspected to have a knife. No object found.
Investigation, responses and learning required with:
GOWISELY procedure: Several comments highlighted the absence of key components in the GOWISELY procedure. Specifically, officers failed to state their identity, the station, legal powers, or inform the individual that they were detained.
Audio clarity: A few responses noted issues with audio quality, making it difficult to clearly hear whether certain vital information was conveyed.
Officer identification and information: Some feedback indicated that the second officer could have been more clear about their identity. Additionally, more details about the subject's rights should have been provided during the interaction.
Actions to be commended:
Officer behaviour: Numerous responses praised the officers for staying calm and composed throughout the situation. Their ability to de-escalate a potentially high-stress moment was particularly noted.
Use of resources: The deployment of armed response vehicles and other appropriate resources was highlighted, ensuring public safety during the stop.
Necessity of the stop: All responses confirmed that the encounter was necessary. The stop and search were deemed justified, especially considering the context of the subject allegedly carrying a knife.
Proportionality of response: Most responses agreed that the encounter was proportional, with only a few expressing doubt. Officers' actions were considered reasonable under the circumstances.
Ethical conduct: The majority of panel members felt that the encounter was ethical. Officers were praised for their respectful and ethical approach throughout the interaction.
OVERALL PANEL RESPONSE
The stop was deemed necessary and proportionate, with the officers acting ethically and maintaining control of the situation. While the officers remained calm and respectful, there were notable concerns regarding communication, particularly with the GOWISELY procedure.
UOF BWV 2 ASSESSMENT
D&C POLICE RESPONSE TO UOF BWV 2
Officer’s response not received
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