Response to concern for welfare report - Greater Manchester Police, June 2018

At 3.42pm on 16 June 2018, a man called Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to report he was concerned about his brother. He had not seen him for a couple of days, which was out of character. It was recorded on the incident log that the man’s brother had issues with drug abuse and depression, and that concerning messages were found on his Facebook account, the last of which were on 14 June 2018. Police conducted checks and there was a confirmed automatic number plate recognition activation of the man’s van on 14 June 2018. The incident log was delayed and escalated to a sergeant at 4.12pm, who stated there were no patrols available to attend. The incident log was subject to further delays. The incident log was reviewed at 8.23pm for the first time by an inspector. The incident was allocated, and a patrol went to the man’s home address, where he was found dead. An inquest held later into the man’s death concluded with a verdict of suicide.

During the investigation, an investigator examined material, including incident reports and policies and procedures for police officers regarding the grading of reports and incidents.

We found no evidence to indicate that GMP caused or contributed directly to the man’s death. As it was unclear whether the police were aware of the concerns for the man’s welfare prior to his death, it was not possible to say whether GMP officers attending sooner would have prevented his death.

Based on the evidence available we found no indication that any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.

After reviewing our report, GMP agreed.