Version Date: 21/04/2015
Devon & Cornwall Police
Record 1
Freedom of Information Act Request No: 1714/15
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, please provide me with copies of all of
the ‘if asked’ statements your force’s press office has prepared in the 2 weeks from
9th to 22nd March 2015.
The Corporate Communications Department have provided the following information:
‘If asked’ statements are issued by the Force’s Corporate Communications Department
on a very regular basis. In addition to a small number of pre-prepared statements ‘if
asked’ statements cover issues which a single journalist/ media outlet may have enquired
about and received a response to, but may not have subsequently been published on the
force website.
This includes a large number of responses to often localised operational matters – such
as road traffic collisions, missing people and general calls for service to the police.
In the vast majority of cases ‘if asked’ statements are issued to at least one media outlet.
There is a small number of circumstances where preparatory statements are drawn up
regarding an incident or investigation that media and the public may not be aware of so
that, when enquiries come from media, the Force is ready to respond in line with the tight
deadlines media are often governed by.
This allows the media to report on incidents in a timely manner and not to have to wait for
statements and responses to be researched and put together at the point of request.
Some of the following information has engaged the exemptions from disclosure Section
40(2)(Personal information relating to a third party) of the Freedom of Information Act
2000.
Page 1 of 3
Version Date: 21/04/2015
11/03/2015
Domestic assault on man and woman at a property in Forde Close, Newton Abbot on
Monday 9 March around 7.50pm.
**section 40**, 28, of no fixed abode, has been charged with two counts of assault, two
criminal damage offences, breach of non-molestation order and possession of an air
weapon with intent to cause fear of violence.
He was remanded for court - due to appear before Torquay Magistrates' Court on 11
March
11/03/2015
A police spokesman said: “The police have applied for a review and the hearing takes
place next Tuesday (17 March)”
11/03/2015
“We are pleased that the HMIC has carried out a series of inspections throughout the UK
looking at the welfare of vulnerable people in custody. We welcome their findings which
show the vast majority of vulnerable people detained by police are treated respectfully.
“For some time now Devon & Cornwall Police has recognised the use of police custody is
not the correct environment for vulnerable children and for anyone suffering from a mental
health condition.
“Devon & Cornwall Police has been working with partners over the past few months
regarding the most appropriate provision for people who have been detained under the
Mental Health Act.
“As a result of this work new protocols have been developed which are being
implemented across the Force area over the next two months. Young people under 18 will
not be taken into police custody at all and adults will only be taken in exceptional
circumstances. These provisions will ensure that individuals receive timely and
appropriate care.
“Mental health concerns and incidents necessarily involve the police service and it is right
that our officers are trained to support and deal with people in these circumstances but we
must work with partners to ensure the minimal use of police cells and that the right care is
given to those who need it.”
11/03/2015
During the 12 months to end of November 2014 749 people were booked into our custody
centre for S136Mental Health Act (place of safety) detention, of which 468 were males
(62.5%) and 281 (37.5%) females.
Of the 749 people 32 (4.3%) were aged 17 & under. Of these 32 young people, 17 (53%)
were male and 15 (47%) were female.
During the previous 12 months to end of November 2013 795 people were booked into
our custody centre for S136 detention, of which 495 were males (62.3%) and 300 (37.7%)
.
Of the 795 people 29 (3.6%) were aged 17 & under. Of these 29 young people, 17 (59%)
were male and 12 (41%) were female.
Page 2 of 3
Version Date: 21/04/2015
19/03/2015
Police were informed by the fire department of a moorland fire in the Ivybridge area at
around 4pm yesterday (Wednesday 18th March). Police helicopter attended to help look
for dog walkers in the area as fire attempted to bring the incident under control by the
early evening.
After working with the fire commander to identify the cause of the fire, it is believed that
these may have been unreported swailing or an accidental fire. No further policing action
will be taken.
19/03/2015
Police were called to an address in the Whitleigh area of Plymouth at around 5.30pm
yesterday (Wednesday 18th March) following a domestic incident. It appears that there
was an argument between two brothers who fell out after playing the computer game
Grand Theft Auto. Officer dealt with incident at the scene.
19/03/2015
Police informed by Fire of a man suffering from burns in Garston Avenue, Newton Abbot
at around 9.30am Thursday 19th March.
Ambulance & Fire on scene, police informed.
Man appears to have suffered significant burns to neck and face. Has been taken to
Torbay hospital via air ambulance - since gone to specialist burns unit in Swansea.
Page 3 of 3