Recommendation - Devon and Cornwall Police, August 2020
Recommendation date: 24 August 2020
Response due: 19 October 2020
Published: 14 December 2020
Welfare and vulnerable people
At 4:10am on 13 March 2020, the parents of a male contacted Devon and Cornwall Police to report that he was not supposed to be at the address and had threatened to jump from a thirdfloor window. Officers attended the address at 4:23am, however after initial communication with the male it was established that he had barricaded himself in a room at the property and had gone onto the roof outside the room. Police negotiators were called to the address. The male had consumed alcohol and taken prescription drugs and was at risk of falling off the roof. The fire service placed ladders against the house however the male threatened to jump and kicked at the ladder and threw a bottle at fire and rescue officers. At 6:35am police forced entry to the room and the male jumped causing serious injuries as he landed on the patio below.
Recommendations (1)
Recommendation 1
Accepted
Recommendation
The IOPC recommends that Devon and Cornwall Police take whatever action is necessary to ensure hostage negotiators are aware that BWV or voice recording equipment is being used throughout the duration of negotiations to ensure that all conversations and decisions … Read more
Force Response
Accepted action:
As above, nothing further to add. I agree that the identified learning will support early consideration of BWV being used at a scene