Man found dead following reports of concern for his welfare - Greater Manchester Police, July 2017

On 11 July 2017 Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were contacted by a mental health worker from the Tameside Home Treatment Team (HTT) reporting a concern for welfare for a service user. The man had not been seen in four days, and attempts at contacting him had been unsuccessful. A number of risk factors were identified by the mental health worker.

GMP conducted a number of checks to locate the man. The incident was then delayed for several hours until an officer reviewed the incident log. They concluded there was no concern, that the man had likely gone to his daughter’s address, and that the incident was not a police matter. The HTT was notified that GMP would not be attending and the incident was closed.

Eight days later GMP were contacted by the man’s neighbours on behalf of his daughter, as the man had not been seen for two weeks. GMP officers were due to attend, but before they attended, they were informed that the neighbours had broken the door down and found the man dead inside his flat. The evidence indicated the man had been dead ten to 12 days.

Our investigators obtained documentation from GMP, HM Coroner, and the HTT. Investigators also obtained statements from several GMP officers and staff who had significant involvement with the incident and the decision-making process.

During the investigation there was no indication any police officer or staff member may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.

Evidence indicated that a number of risk factors relating to the man were not identified. We suggested there was an opportunity for learning for the officer who reviewed the log, so they could improve their response to similar incidents in the future.

After reviewing our report GMP agreed. They advised that they would also consider wider organisational learning specifically around multi-agency approaches to mental health.