Response to a missing person report and investigation of a death - Essex Police, March 2018

A man was reported missing to Essex Police on 13 March 2018 and they began an investigation into his whereabouts. He was found dead in Southend on Sea on 21 March 2018.

As is usual when a person dies after any contact with the police, Essex Police referred the case to us and we began an independent investigation. During our investigation, two people complained about the Essex Police investigation into the whereabouts of the man following the initial report and the subsequent investigation conducted following his death.

Our investigators took accounts from witnesses including police officers, paramedics, employees from Southend Hospital and local funeral services. Body worn footage was reviewed along with documents related to the missing person enquiry and the death investigation. Essex Police policies and documents related to family liaison, scene management and investigation of death were reviewed and considered in conjunction with officer actions.

The evidence obtained by our investigation indicated that Essex Police operated in line with their policies and made proportionate decisions within the scope of their area of responsibility.

Our investigation revealed that had greater and more meaningful communication been facilitated between the bereaved family and Essex Police it is likely this would have aided their understanding and minimised the likelihood of complaints being generated in the first place.

The investigation did not find any indication that a criminal offence may have been committed by a person to whose conduct the investigation relates.

We did not uphold any of the complaints made.

We identified potential learning for Essex Police around their investigation procedures.