Ashley Crews
PFD Report
Partially Responded
Ref: 2024-0216
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
The absence of a local policy regarding the use of handcuffs when executing arrest warrants raises a safety concern.
View full coroner's concerns
1. There is no local policy for the use of handcuffs when executing an arrest warrant.
Responses
Noted
Greater Manchester Police acknowledges the absence of a specific policy on handcuffing during search warrant executions, but states that use of force is a case-by-case decision guided by legislation, the National Decision Model, and consideration of occupants' vulnerabilities. (AI summary)
Greater Manchester Police acknowledges the absence of a specific policy on handcuffing during search warrant executions, but states that use of force is a case-by-case decision guided by legislation, the National Decision Model, and consideration of occupants' vulnerabilities. (AI summary)
View full response
Dear Mr Golombeck Greater Manchester Police acknowledge the matters of concern raised by the Regulation 28 report, issued under paragraph 7, Schedule 5 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013 on 23rd April 2024. We acknowledge that there is no national or local policy for policing that specifically deals with the application of handcuffs during the execution of search warrants. The justification for the use of force against an individual is a matter for each officer to consider on a case-by-case basis. Consideration of how force is used is a common thread through many aspects of police guidance and Authorised Professional Practice (APP), with a particular focus on legislation and use of the National Decision Model. The policing scenarios are so wide ranging that it is impractical to offer specific instruction or policy on when handcuffs should be applied to restrain individuals whilst under arrest or detained under the powers of a search warrant. In pre-planning for the execution of search warrants, we consider the vulnerability of the known occupants including factors such as age, mental health or physical issues. That would not necessarily influence an individual decision to use force and handcuff somebody during such an operation. Greater Manchester Police do have a Use of Force policy which is available to officers as guidance for recording the use of force. Officers are also trained in the legislation relevant to the use of force and have access to numerous nationally developed guidance documents to assist in their decision making. Postal address: Greater Manchester Police, Openshaw Complex, Lawton Street, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2NS
Sent To
- College of Policing
- Greater Manchester Police
- Independent Office for Police Conduct
Response Status
Linked responses
1 of 3
56-Day Deadline
18 Jun 2024
About PFD responses
Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.
Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
The Inquest was opened on 12th March 2024. The final hearing has not yet taken place. Following disclosure of evidence from Greater Manchester Police (“GMP”) and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (“IOPC”), there is concern that future deaths will occur, and I am of the opinion that action should be taken to reduce the risk of death.
Circumstances of the Death
Mr Ashley Crews died on 20th February 2024 from injuries sustained from a fall from height. On 20th February 2024, GMP officers attended Mr Crews’ address (a 9th floor flat) to execute an arrest warrant. The attending officers did not apply handcuffs. Mr Crews proceeded to walk to his bedroom in the flat, and whilst some officers followed him, Mr Crews was able to open a window and jump out. GMP have confirmed that they do not have a local policy dealing with the use and application of handcuffs when executing an arrest warrant. The IOPC have confirmed there is no national policy.
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.