Armed response where police dog caused injury – West Midlands Police, October 2022

On 11 October 2022, West Midlands Police responded to a report that an individual had been threatened by a group of men with a machete near Beggars Bush Public House, Chester Road.

The incident was declared a firearms incident and armed response officers and a dog unit were sent to the incident. Officers identified a group of men in the area matching the description of the suspects.

When police approached the group they ran away in the direction of Finchley Road. A police dog was deployed and detained a young teenage boy, resulting in serious injury to his left leg.

We investigated the police contact with the young teenager, specifically their decisions and actions in relation to the response to the incident.

We also investigated the use of the police dog and whether this force was proportionate, necessary and in line with relevant policies and procedures.

During the investigation, we obtained airwaves transmissions, body worn video footage, incident logs and obtained statements from several police witnesses.

Our investigation concluded in April 2023.

The investigation concluded there was no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

In this case, the investigation has not identified any learning.