Officer awarded for helping neurodiverse suspects

Det Ch Insp Davies introduced the use of distraction items for detainees

A police officer has been awarded with a Chief Superintendent Commendation for her work to support neurodiverse people who find themselves in custody.

Det Ch Insp Becky Davies received recognition alongside her colleagues from Devon and Cornwall Police at a ceremony in Torquay.

The force said Det Ch Insp Davies introduced the use of distraction items for detainees and supported staff by offering learning events.

She said she was inspired to help after she noticed a lot of vulnerable people going into custody - and because of her own ADHD and autism diagnoses.

"I just noticed one of our mental health practitioners was using a using a stretch ball to help one of the detainees with their breathing, they were having a panic attack and it was really effective," she said.

She added that made her question what could be brought into custody safely to help vulnerable people.

"The challenges and difficulties and symptoms vary from person to person," Det Ch Insp Davies said.

Certificates were handed out at the ceremony in Torquay

"Give them something to do and that then de-escalates the situation... which enables the detainee to actually engage with all the support services that are in custody.

"I'm actually autistic and ADHD, late diagnosed. I think that's probably one of the things that kind of drove me to help people."

Her guidance has been published within the College of Policing as an example of best practice.

She said she was "really proud and happy that it's helping people not just in Devon and Cornwall but, you know, across the UK".

Ch Supt Roy Linden said: "It was an absolute privilege to be able to formally recognise some of our staff who have excelled in delivering policing over the last 12 months."