Response to concern for man’s welfare – Avon and Somerset Police, June 2021

In June 2021, Avon and Somerset Police attended a concern for welfare reported by a former friend of a man. Initially there was some difficulty in locating the man, as he had left his home address.

There was a delay in police attendance due to a lack of available officers as police resources were required elsewhere.

After some time, he was found unresponsive at a relative’s address. Despite concerted efforts to administer CPR, and latter medical intervention by paramedics, he could not be revived.

We investigated the circumstances of the incident, including the delay in resourcing the incident.

We obtained and reviewed copies of radio transmissions and telephone calls. Additionally, we analysed control room actions and the decision making of staff and the critical incident manager.

Our investigation concluded in October 2022.

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

We carefully considered whether there were any learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

In this case, the investigation has not identified any learning.