Man dies after becoming unwell in custody - Essex Police, November 2017

On 19 November 2017, Essex Police stopped a man in South Ockendon. He was searched, then his vehicle was searched, and he was arrested for possession of class A drugs with the intent to supply. The man was taken to Grays custody suite and placed in a holding cell. A short time later the man became unwell. The custody sergeant called for a medical professional to see him. The medical professional and the officers carried out first aid, and an ambulance was called. The man was taken to hospital, where he later died. A post-mortem concluded the man had died from cocaine toxicity. During the investigation, investigators collected CCTV, witness statements, and policies. Forensic analysis on some evidence was also conducted. There was no CCTV footage or body-worn video footage of the search. During the investigation, conduct was identified for two of the officers involved relating to the search of …