Police related deaths

Noted (AI summary) EEAST has approved (November 2021) the National Ambulance s.136 Guidance, is developing and implementing a new mental health care service model, and has developed a specific training session in relation to Acute Behavioural Disorder, including positional asphyxia for frontline staff. Bedfordshire Police is updating its local section 136 multi-agency policy, with a revised version due to be signed off this year and is incorporating guidance from a national ABD policy review into existing guidance for relevant policing areas. AACE confirms that the national S136 guidance has recently been revised, updated, and issued nationally and that on 1st February 21 they updated the acute behavioural disturbance guidance with wording to emphasise the need for close monitoring of a patient when restraint is used.

Noted (AI summary) The College of Policing acknowledges the concerns and refers to existing APP guidance on dynamic risk assessment. The NPCC will discuss ambulance availability with colleagues and the NPCC First Aid Forum will consider practical advice to forces. The London Ambulance Service has issued staff bulletins for frontline and control room staff detailing actions for 'no trace' calls, and is updating policies OP14 and OP23 to include a step-by-step process. Policy OP14 is expected to be finalised by the end of 2021, and OP23 in early 2022. NHS England details existing guidance, clinical safety officer forums, and hazard logs for digital triage. They also highlight that practices should not rely on online access for all clinical triage.

Noted (AI summary) Staffordshire Police has commenced a criminal investigation into potential offences committed against Mrs. Dunn and is reviewing repeat cases of anti-social behaviour involving vulnerable people. They have also written to the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board to understand if further information was known by partner agencies. Staffordshire Police provides an update that the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for an independent investigation.

Noted (AI summary) The National Police Chiefs' Council acknowledges receipt of the letter and notes its contents. Sussex Police reviewed policies and procedures on radio use and found policy 594/2021 sufficiently robust. They have a Driver Behaviour Working Group reviewing trends and a point system for interventions. A training package is in development to remind staff of radio responsibilities.

Noted (AI summary) The Metropolitan Police Service will develop additional training on recording property, especially regarding risk, and implement it in the "Street Duties" course for probationer constables. The officer involved in the incident has been spoken to and advised on recording property and circumstances for seizure. The Trust has discussed the concerns with Borough Lead Nurses and sent letters to nursing staff, highlighting expectations for patient searches, observations, and rapid tranquilisation monitoring. The Trust now requires formal training and competency assessment for staff conducting searches and observations, with Registered Nurses exclusively performing RT monitoring within eyesight for the first hour post-administration. The Department acknowledges the concerns and outlines actions taken by the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE & NHSI), and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It highlights ongoing monitoring and planned inspections of ELFT.

Noted (AI summary) Greater Manchester Police has conducted a review into the triage process of district safeguarding teams, is developing a triage training course including guidance on information sharing, and has recruited a Domestic Abuse Coordinator to ensure a consistent approach to MARACs across the force. Trafford Council states it has already made significant improvements to policies and procedures since 2018 and believes the coroner's concerns are directed to central government. Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership will present learning from the Serious Case Review to the Greater Manchester Quality Board and share it with commissioners of services for consideration. The CPS acknowledges differences in the definitions of a serial domestic abuser and explains the role of the prosecutor in relation to reasonable lines of enquiry. The Dept. of Health and Social Care notes the concerns raised, mentions a Serious Case Review and review of its action plan, and states that local authorities are responsible for commissioning health visitor services based on local needs. The Home Office describes national actions to manage perpetrators of abuse including College of Policing guidance, a review of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare's Law), and the introduction of new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) with associated training for police.

Noted (AI summary) The College of Policing explains its role and details existing guidance and learning material addressing the risks associated with Taser use, particularly multiple activations, and highlights the role of SACMILL in advising on medical issues. The Home Office acknowledges the concerns about Taser use and refers to existing policy, guidance, training, and scrutiny mechanisms. It states satisfaction that current measures are adequate but acknowledges every death in police custody is a tragedy.

Noted (AI summary) Greater Manchester Police explained their procedures for allocating detainee cell space and the role of the cell allocation team and Custody Inspector. They also detailed officer training and procedures for handling detainees who may be confused or intoxicated, as well as explaining when a full custody record may not be completed immediately.