Work to tackle spiking showcased as national campaign begins

The work being done in Derbyshire to tackle and raise awareness of spiking is set to be showcased as the national Spiking Week of Intensification begins.

Officers in Derbyshire will be out and about supporting the campaign, which has been coordinated by the National Police Chief Council (NPCC).

Whilst our work to tackle and educate on spiking happens all year round, the week of intensification is a chance to put a spotlight on the issue, raise awareness and improve investigations into these often complex cases and work with partners to prevent spiking incidents happening.

Both Derby city and the county remains a safe place for a night out – but the prevention work done by officers is an important part of the force’s work and to bolster this, we are supporting this national campaign.

Across the week, we will be working alongside our partners at 1625 Outreach to:

• Hand out drink covers and bottle toppers to licensed premises
• Hand out infographic beer mats
• Explore dedicated spiking training
• Have a team of dedicated officers patrolling on nights out
• Provide answers to some common myths and facts around spiking

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Carver, drugs lead for Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “Whilst we are always working on the issue, this week is a great opportunity to open that conversation on how to prevent spiking as well as raise awareness.

“It is also a perfect time to continue looking at how reports are responded to and ways we can improve this further – with dedicated training for both ourselves and licensed premises.

“We know how frightening it can be if you think you’ve been spiked. If you suspect yourself or someone else has been spiked, please tell a member of bar staff or an officer on patrol. They will listen to you and ensure you get the care you need and should expect.

“The sooner you can tell someone, the better. When it comes to testing, it is absolutely your choice if this happens, but by coming to us early, this allows us many more forensic opportunities. Some substances can be really quick to leave the system, even if you’re still feeling the effects, so by coming to us early, there is a better chance of confirming exactly what has happened.

“We are happy to say Derby and Derbyshire remains a safe place for a night out, but we will never become complacent and will always look to prevent this from happening in the first instance.”

You can also report spiking through our dedicated spiking reporting tool online: Report spiking | Derbyshire Constabulary 

1625 Outreach also provide non-judgemental, fact-based information and support surrounding drug and alcohol use, as well as the associated risks. Find out more online: 1625Outreach | Change Grow Live and through their Instagram account: @1625_outreach.