Derbyshire Police criticised for using screensaver of victims 'let down' by force

13 August 2021, 11:10 | Updated: 13 August 2021, 11:12

The screensaver included images of Helen Hancock and Martin Griffiths
The screensaver included images of Helen Hancock and Martin Griffiths. Picture: PA

By Will Taylor

A police force has introduced a computer screensaver showing the faces of four people who have been killed as the chief constable said victims have been "let down".

Reports say Derbyshire Police's Rachel Swann told staff in a video message that "simple errors" had been made and the force's approach was "not acceptable".

The force's branch of the Police Federation said it did not agree with the idea, describing it as detrimental to officers' wellbeing.

Staff found the screensavers on their work computers showing the faces of four people, the BBC and the Telegraph report.

The screensaver opens with the word "vulnerability" which links to the images.

Among them were Helen Hancock and Martin Griffiths, who were murdered in Duffield on New Year's Day in 2020.

Read more: Former head teacher admits murdering his wife and her lover

Graham Snell, who was murdered and cut into pieces by his lodger in Chesterfield in 2019, and Gracie Spinks, who died in Duckmanton in June, were also in the screensaver images.

The BBC said the Independent Office for Police Conduct noted missed opportunities in the case of Mr Snell but concluded nothing could have been done to stop Mrs Hancock's and Mr Griffiths' murder.

The Telegraph said the IOPC is investigating Ms Spinks' case. All four people had been in contact with the force.

Derbyshire's Deputy Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: "Internally, we are currently running a specific week on identifying and addressing vulnerability.

"The objective of this week is to increase awareness and share learning to ensure that we continually improve our services to the public and make sure our staff and officers have access to the latest information and good practice."

But the Derbyshire Police Federation said in a tweet: "Derbyshire Police Federation didn't agree with the use of the photos on Force desktops and met with the Chief Constable and told her directly because of the detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of some officers and is actually counter-productive in terms of the message."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A still from a video obtained by the IDF that it says shows Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar

Body of Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar identified in tunnel beneath Gaza hospital, Israel says

Claire Mumford was an award-winning volunteer Special Sergeant

'Ashamed' police sergeant caught drink-driving consumed 'bottle of wine' before driving daughter to hospital

Men's singles final between Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) and Jannik Sinner on Philippe Chatrier court during the Grand Slam tennis tournament, on June 8, 2025, at Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, France.

Carlos Alcaraz beats Jannik Sinner to win French Open title in historic five set decider

People light candles during a protest against violence and in favor of peace in Medellin, Colombia, on June 8, 2025, the day after the attack on presidential candidate Miguel Uribe.

Colombian presidential candidate in 'critical condition' following 'assassination attempt' - as 15-year-old arrested

England's Brydon Carse hits the winning boundary during the second Men's International Twenty20 match at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol. Picture date: Sunday June 8, 2025.

England beat West Indies by four wickets to take 2-0 lead following second T20 international

Marise Wipani in 1995 TV series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

Soldier, Soldier star Marise Wipani dies at 61, leaving poignant final message

Brass name plate / plaque outside the offices of The Nursing and Midwifery Council – NMC at 23 Portland Place London W1B 1PZ. UK. (118)

Midwife struck off after claiming vaccines ‘attacked babies’ and were a 'Trojan horse' inviting a 'new era for humanity'

Mother and son team Jo and Sam competed in the second series of the reality TV show in 2020

Tributes paid to Race Across The World star after tragic death aged 24

Funeral for Palestinian who lost his life by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank

At least five Palestinians killed and 29 injured by Israeli gunfire near Gaza food point

Two men charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder after boy, 16, killed in Sheffield hit-and-run

Two men charged with murder after boy, 16, killed in Sheffield hit-and-run

Herrington Country Park

Three teenagers charged with attempted murder after 15-year-old stabbed in park

Greta Thunberg is attempting to open up a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.

Israel vows to stop Greta Thunberg's aid boat reaching Gaza by 'any measures necessary'

The 19-year-old had taken part in the “dusting” trend when she entered cardiac arrest.

Teen dies after taking part in deadly TikTok ‘dusting’ challenge as parents issue stark warning

Exclusive
Reform UK has been branded a "circus" by its former deputy leader.

Former deputy leader of Reform UK brands party a 'circus' as Zia Yusuf announces return 48 hours after quitting

Police crime scene tape UK

Baby found dead at home as police launch probe into 'unexplained' tragedy

Terraced houses in Pier Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex, England, UK.

Millions of homeowners could be overpaying on mortgages due to 'dodgy data'