‘No direct discrimination’ says report into firefighter’s death; Record breaking 5.7 tonnes of cocaine seized in Southampton

Every weekday morning we bring you the sector’s freshest news stories, starting today with the news that a third investigation into a London firefighter who killed himself has concluded that there was no evidence of bullying or harassment by his colleagues. Jaden Francois-Esprit, 21, a trainee firefighter at London Fire Brigade, took his own life in August 2020.

There’s also a story on what is believed to be the biggest ever seizure of class A drugs in the UK. The haul of 5.7 tonnes of cocaine was found in a container at Southampton Port on 8 February.

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‘No direct discrimination’ says report into death of London firefighter

A third investigation into the death in 2020 of trainee firefighter Jaden Francois-Esprit has concluded that there was no evidence he was bullied or harassed by colleagues at his fire station because of his age, sex or race. London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe told London politicians that he accepted the findings, adding that London Fire Brigade had let Jaden down. More via Emergency Services Times

Study into use of video streaming technology during 999 calls published

Innovative technology enabling ambulance service dispatchers to view footage from the scene of trauma incidents via video live streaming from mobile phones is feasible to implement and evaluate, a new study led by the University of Surrey and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, reveals. More via South East Coast Ambulance Service

Force recruits UK’s first police Digital Forensic apprentice

Sam Roe, a 19-year-old, has eagerly embraced the opportunity to combat crime using modern technology as the UK’s inaugural police digital forensic apprentice.

Since joining Nottinghamshire Police in December 2023, he has immersed himself in learning various aspects of digital investigation. More via Emergency Services Times

Long-term strategy needed to recoup workforce pay losses, says NPCC

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has submitted its evidence to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) and the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) for police officer pay for 2024/25.

Recommendations include calling for an above inflation pay increase across all ranks, increasing the starting salary for constables, in a longer-term strategy to address the real term pay decreases faced by officers over the past decade. More via NPCC

Scottish Government announces wholesale justice review

The Scottish Government has announced a review into sentencing and prison policy in a bid to lower the number of criminals being jailed.

SNP justice secretary Angela Constance confirmed that the plan would be to bring in more community measures to cut down on offenders being handed short spells in custody. More via Scottish Daily Express

Ambulance service wired into the latest electric vehicle trials

East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) is part of a national programme testing zero-emissions emergency response vehicles. Initial trials have been well-received and will be shifting up a gear soon.

Covering six counties, the 7500sqm of EEAST’s operational region ranges from cities to rural areas and rugged coastline. More via Emergency Services Times

Wiltshire PCC marks one year since new Chief Constable appointment

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed how an improved policing service for communities has been driven forward in the last 12 months as Wiltshire Police’s Chief Constable marks one year since taking the helm.

PCC Philip Wilkinson has said the introduction of robust, strategic, leadership from Chief Constable Catherine Roper is paying dividends but says they are both aware there is not a ‘quick fix’ to implementing or sustaining performance improvements. More via Wiltshire and Swindon PCC

NCA and Border Force make record breaking 5.7 tonne cocaine seizure

The National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force have made what is believed to be the biggest ever seizure of class A drugs in the UK.

The haul of 5.7 tonnes of cocaine was found in a container at Southampton Port on 8 February. Details can only now be released. More via NCA

Northamptonshire Chief Constable misconduct hearing postponed

A gross misconduct hearing into the actions of The chief constable of Northamptonshire Police that was due to be held tomorrow has been postponed for another three months.

The hearing over an allegation that Nick Adderley misrepresented his military career had been due to be held in private and under reporting restrictions. More via Daventry Express