David Bird
PFD Report
Historic (No Identified Response)
Ref: 2019-0188
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
Custody officers received inadequate training in interpreting detainee behavior, leading to misjudgments of vulnerability. There were also failures to ensure vulnerable detainees saw a Health Care Practitioner before release, despite identified risks.
View full coroner's concerns
In the circumstances_ it is my statutory duty to report to you:
(1) Adequacy of Training of Custody Officers in interpreting the behaviourldemeanour of detainees; Although both Bedfordshire Police Custody Sergeants had received in their training (as evidenced by the Power-Point presentation exhibited as "EMO2") guidance on interpreting 'Behaviour' in the ABCDE of Vulnerability Assessments, both Sergeants had interpreted David's response that he was 'on of the World' to the Question 'How are you feeling?' on being booked in, literally, when, in fact; this might be interpreted as having an element of irony requiring further exploration; (2) Adequacy of Training of Custody Officers in formulating a suitable care-Plan for a detainee; in particular, identifying the need in the Pre-Release Risk Assessment (PRRA) for Mr Bird to see a Health Care Practitioner (HCP) before release: Although both Custody Sergeants had received in their training (as evidenced by the Power-Point presentation exhibited as "EMO2") guidance on formulating a Care-Plan and page 28 of that presentation gave the following example: DP has been returned from interview from OIC, became tearful during interview and made comments that indicated possible self-harm risk on release, Obs level changed to Li3Omins obs PRRA considerations DP to see HCP before release, DP has been told to see his GP about how he feels; he lives with his partner so there is someone at home to give support", Mr Bird was released without a being seen by the HCP even though: David had already been identified as a Vulnerable Adult (in term of a possible suicide by Bedford Police on 18 August 2018 and a further concern for weliare had been raised in respect of him by Northamptonshire Police on 19 August 2018; He had been very tearful and distressed during his interview describing himself as 'one with no home no life, no job' . The I0 and his colleague had requested a medical assessment for him prior to release 3 times
(1) Adequacy of Training of Custody Officers in interpreting the behaviourldemeanour of detainees; Although both Bedfordshire Police Custody Sergeants had received in their training (as evidenced by the Power-Point presentation exhibited as "EMO2") guidance on interpreting 'Behaviour' in the ABCDE of Vulnerability Assessments, both Sergeants had interpreted David's response that he was 'on of the World' to the Question 'How are you feeling?' on being booked in, literally, when, in fact; this might be interpreted as having an element of irony requiring further exploration; (2) Adequacy of Training of Custody Officers in formulating a suitable care-Plan for a detainee; in particular, identifying the need in the Pre-Release Risk Assessment (PRRA) for Mr Bird to see a Health Care Practitioner (HCP) before release: Although both Custody Sergeants had received in their training (as evidenced by the Power-Point presentation exhibited as "EMO2") guidance on formulating a Care-Plan and page 28 of that presentation gave the following example: DP has been returned from interview from OIC, became tearful during interview and made comments that indicated possible self-harm risk on release, Obs level changed to Li3Omins obs PRRA considerations DP to see HCP before release, DP has been told to see his GP about how he feels; he lives with his partner so there is someone at home to give support", Mr Bird was released without a being seen by the HCP even though: David had already been identified as a Vulnerable Adult (in term of a possible suicide by Bedford Police on 18 August 2018 and a further concern for weliare had been raised in respect of him by Northamptonshire Police on 19 August 2018; He had been very tearful and distressed during his interview describing himself as 'one with no home no life, no job' . The I0 and his colleague had requested a medical assessment for him prior to release 3 times
Sent To
- Bedfordshire Police
Response Status
Linked responses
0 of 1
56-Day Deadline
17 Oct 2019
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
On 23 August 2018 the Acting Senior Coroner for Bedfordshire & Luton commenced an investigation was into the death of Mr David Bird, aged 51. The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest held by me, on 9 May 2019, when my determinations and conclusion were delivered. The medical cause of death was found to be: 1a Hanging The Conclusion of the Inquest was a Narrative Conclusion: The Deceased intentionally took his own life but the failure to arrange a medical assessment prior t0 his release from police custody the previous day possibly contributed to his death
Circumstances of the Death
On Saturday 18 August 2018, on becoming aware that the Deceased had seemingly been preparing to take his own life in the bedroom of his home Bedfordshire Police submitted a Vulnerable Adult Referral in respect of the Deceased Following allegations of harassment against him and a further concern for his welfare, the Deceased was then arrested on 19 August 2018 and taken into police custody: He was interviewed under caution by Northamptonshire Police who requested he undergo a medical assessment prior to his release Despite making this request; three times, the Deceased was released by Bedfordshire Police, at approximately 01.30 hours on 20 August 2018, without such an assessment On 21 August 2018, having last been seen at around 09.00 hours, he was found hanging by a ligature made of rope from the ceiling beam in his bedroom at 15.45 hours: Notes signed by him at the scene confirmed an intention to take his own life
Action Should Be Taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you have the power to take such action,
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.