Man found dead following report of concern for his welfare - North Yorkshire Police, November 2017

On 14 November 2017, employees from a Scarborough-based NHS mental health team contacted North Yorkshire Police (NYP) to report concern for the welfare of a man known to their organisation. NYP responded to the incident and sent an officer to the man’s flat as a ‘priority’ response. The NYP officer was unable to make contact with the man and, after conducting local enquiries, the initial incident log was closed. The landlord of the flat made a separate report to NYP the following day and informed NYP that a second landlord would visit the flat that afternoon. The landlord forced entry to the property a few hours later, with the assistance of a local locksmith, prior to the arrival of NYP officers. They found the man’s body. There were indications that he had been dead for a period of time before his discovery, and no indication of any third-party involvement.

During the investigation, we obtained statements from witnesses, NYP staff and the NYP officer who attended the scene, following the initial report of a concern for welfare. We also examined relevant policies and procedures covering the grading of incidents reported to the police.

Our investigation concluded there was no indication any police officer or member of police staff may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence. All police officers and staff co-operated fully with this investigation.

After reviewing our report, NYP agreed with our findings.

Following the man’s inquest in autumn 2018, the coroner recorded a verdict of suicide with a narrative comment concerning his mental health care.