Police Force prosecuted for failing to protect officers

A police force was fined £60,000 after multiple officers were injured during a riot training exercise that went awry. The force pleaded guilty to violating section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The training exercise resulted in four police officers suffering burns after petrol bombs were thrown at them. A HSE investigation found that the officers had been exposed to significant and avoidable risk during the exercise.

The investigation also highlighted that the force had failed to provide the officers with adequate information on the lifespan, care and inspection of the flame-retardant PPE. There had been no adequate risk assessment conducted and no implementation of a safe system of work to control the foreseeable risks.

This prosecution highlights the importance of conducting risk assessments for high-risk activities and establishing a safe work system.