FOI 143468

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 143468

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 6^th January 2022. Please find below the response to your request:

We request disclosure of the following information:

1. The training of your force regarding excited delirium (ED) or acute behavioural disturbance (ABD)
2. When officers have dealt with ED/ABD, is it recorded anywhere?
3. Is it required to use a Taser with someone who is exhibiting ED/ABD symptoms, and if so, what are the recorded numbers of such a use?
4. When was training first introduced regarding ED/ABD, and when were the latest updates on said training?
5. Who are the expert police trainers on ED/ABD in your force?

Reply:-

West Mercia Police holds the information you have requested, please see below:

1. The training of your force regarding excited delirium (ED) or acute behavioural disturbance (ABD)

West Mercia Police include reference to ABD (ED) within ‘Public and Personal Safety Training.’ We use the College of Policing training materials for both initial and current officers. The materials are also available internally online so that Officers have access, scenario training is also facilitated and ABD is included within such training with groups.

2. When officers have dealt with ED/ABD, is it recorded anywhere?

This would depend on the circumstances, but in most cases yes it would, this is likely to be in the officers pocket note book and or logged on an incident log.

If force had to be used to restrain and control the subject, then a Use of Force form would be required to be submitting by each officer / staff member who used force on the subject.

If the incident took place inside a custody block, it would also be recorded on the subject’s custody record.

3. Is it required to use a Taser with someone who is exhibiting ED/ABD symptoms, and if so, what are the recorded numbers of such a use?

No; Taser use is dependent on the threat level determined by an assessment at the scene.

4. When was training first introduced regarding ED/ABD, and when were the latest updates on said training?

It is believed that ED/ABD has been included within Officer Safety Training for around 15 years. The College of Policing have updated their training materials on 29/06/20, 14/12.20, 07/04/21, 26/10/21 which has included changes to terminology, medical references and new theoretical models for approaching ABD. West Mercia Police have kept up with the changes to ensure the training is up-to-date when national details have been changed.

5. Who are the expert police trainers on ED/ABD in your force?

West Mercia Police have 9.6 (9 full time, 1 part time) Safety Trainers who are all trained in ABD and how to teach such situations. Guidance is given by the College of Policing