Recommendation - Wiltshire Police, July 2020
In September 2019 at 1925 hours, Wiltshire Police Officers arrested two individuals on suspicion of theft. The man became non-compliant and officers were required to use restraint techniques. Both were conveyed to the Custody Unit located at Melksham Police Station. CCTV footage indicates that officers had difficulty in removing the man from the rear of the Police van. He had difficulty in standing unassisted and was identified to be medically unwell. His condition deteriorated and staff responded by giving CPR and using a defibrillator. A black wrap and a white ear bud were recovered from the man’s mouth. At 2122 hrs, staff from the West Country Ambulance Service and Wiltshire Air Ambulance attended. The man was transferred to hospital and was treated for a stroke, opiate overdose and alcohol excess. The next day, the man had been released from hospital and returned to the Custody Unit having been declared fit to be detained.
IOPC reference
Recommendations
The IOPC recommends that Wiltshire Police create/implement guidance in relation to transporting detainees. Any new guidance and training should reflect:
- Any risks to the detainees welfare during the journey (in particular longer journeys) that officers should consider, and how this can be managed.
- Observations that should be completed during the journey, including consideration around levels of observations (e.g. whether the detainee needs rousing).
- Sharing any information that could affect the welfare of a detainee with the control room and any other relevant officers and staff.
When the detainee was transported to custody, the journey was approximately 53 minutes. CCTV from inside the prisoner transport van showed that the detainee did not appear to require urgent medical assistance but did appear to be asleep throughout the journey. There were no attempts to rouse the detainee. Officers stated that when transporting another detainee to custody, they were informed that the detainee had taken drugs around two hours before they were stopped by police. Upon arrival in custody, an officer informed the Custody Sergeant of the detainees drug use. In custody the detainee became unresponsive and required medical care. They were subsequently transported to hospital. Wiltshire Police does not have any guidance on transporting detainees or whether information that may affect the welfare of a detainee should be shared prior to arrival at custody.
Do you accept the recommendation? Yes
Full recommendation accepted by the Delegated Appropriate Authority. Supt Steven Cox has shared full recommendation with the Head of Justice, Supt Conway Duncan for sharing with the Force Custody Lead, Insp Mark Calland for implementing and for consideration of a Force-wide circular.