Woman found unresponsive while in custody - Surrey Police, November 2017

On 25 November 2017, Surrey Police officers arrested a woman following a domestic incident with her partner. There were numerous warning markers on the Surrey Police crime information system in relation to the woman having previously attempted to self-harm with a ligature; the system advised that her clothing should be removed.

During her detention in Guildford custody suite, the woman was found unresponsive under a blanket, having tied a sock around her neck as a ligature.

During the investigation, investigators interviewed custody sergeants and designated detention officers who were on duty when the woman was in custody. They also examined custody CCTV from 25 November 2017 and gathered relevant documentation such as the detainee’s custody record.

The evidence gathered during this investigation suggested there was no risk assessment or care plan set for the detainee before she was found unresponsive. CCTV also showed that one of the officers used inappropriate language when referring to the detainee.

Based on the evidence available, our opinion was that, while not amounting to misconduct, one of the officers could have performed their duties more diligently with regard to the woman’s care plan and removal of her clothing. We suggested that the force may wish to consider if the officer’s performance was unsatisfactory in this regard.

After reviewing our report, Surrey Police agreed that the officer would receive management action for his use of language in front of his staff. The officer’s line manager will also review their performance regarding the woman’s care during her detention, and will provide feedback and identify any learning.

We agreed that their proposals were appropriate.