Welfare concerns for man - Metropolitan Police Service, December 2020

On 29 December 2020, a man displaying ill mental health attended Sutton Police Station. He agreed to attend hospital voluntarily and was taken there by police.

A few hours later, the man left hospital. The hospital rang the emergency police number, reporting their concerns to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) as the man had stated he had suicidal thoughts. The report was initially classed as a missing person enquiry but was subsequently changed to a concern for welfare. Based on the home address of the man, the report was transferred to Surrey Police.

Surrey Police conducted a home address check, with negative results. This was updated to the MPS. No further police action was undertaken.

On 31 December 2021, the man called Sussex Police saying he was going to jump from a cliff. He was found dead a short time later.

We obtained witness accounts from police officers and staff from the MPS and Surrey Police, in addition to reviewing relevant police documentation and policies. Police radio transmissions and phone calls were also analysed.

We did not identify any issues which would have amounted to misconduct, but we did recommend a staff member would benefit from reflective practice to resolve a performance matter.

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. Following this case, the IOPC will be consulting with the MPS in respect of cross-border working in relation to missing person investigations and welfare checks.