Guidance in Case of a Spiked Drink Incident

As we return to normal trading it is unfortunate that some of the old issues which have not been prevalent or easily undertaken whilst the COVID restriction were in place are returning.

We have heard from certain police forces that reports of spiking of drinks have re started – customers no longer restrained as to their location and those wishing to undertake such conduct are now able to move round premises more freely and identify their potential victim.

The relaxation of COVID measures serves as a good time to revisit systems and training to prevent as far as possible the risk of these matters occurring.

South Yorkshire Police have issued a helpful document setting out what to do if such an incident occurs on licensed premise and this is set out below.

STEPS IN THE EVENT OF A SPIKED DRINK

• Safeguard and establish any support needs. Ambulance, hospital etc
• Ensure that the person is with someone appropriate (Ie. Ask them if they know the person and are happy to leave with them) if they are trying to leave.
• Ideally, try to speak to the person alone to obtain details as a friend/associate could be an offender.
• Alert the Police
• Obtain details of the victim, friends & their contact details.
• Ask the victim/witness/friends to wait and speak to Police.
• Ask the victim what has happened so you can brief Police on their arrival:
• When did the symptoms begin?
• What are the symptoms being displayed?
• Can they remember any opportunities for offenders to put something in a drink? ie, when drinks were left unattended etc
• Any suspects?
• Record a description of what the victim is wearing – This is to help ID them on CCTV in a busy venue.
• If possible secure the glass/bottle etc that was believed to be spiked
• Ask for the CCTV to be checked and secured ready for Police arrival.
• Have a contact for the venue who can be contacted in daytime hours for further enquiries.
• If a suspect is identified, attempt to keep them at the scene prior to Police arrival.
• If a suspect has left, record a description from the victim/witness’ to include
• Sex, Age, Colour, Height, Build, Anything distinctive (scars/tattoo’s), clothing, if known, name, nickname