Contact with a man before he attempts suicide - Devon and Cornwall Police, February 2018

In February 2018, two detectives from Devon and Cornwall Police went to see a man at his home to advise him of an historic sexual offences allegation made against him, and to arrange for a voluntary interview. Records indicate that the man was signposted to Samaritans and his GP if he was troubled by the allegations. Approximately two hours after officers had been to his home, South Western Ambulance Service informed Devon and Cornwall Police that the man had self-harmed, resulting in serious injuries that required significant medical intervention. The man survived his injuries following treatment at hospital.

Our investigators obtained documentation and accounts from officers who had spoken to the man. They also obtained policies and procedures relating to voluntary attendance.

The evidence suggests police took adequate safeguards to avoid harm coming to the man by interviewing him at home when his family was not present and signposting him to sources of support. Both officers described the man as nervous, but had no concerns about his welfare when they left him

At the end of the investigation we found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.

After reviewing our report, Devon and Cornwall Police advised that they had convened a working group to consider a formal process that officers and staff should adopt when considering a voluntary interview – as opposed to an arrest – for allegations of recent or historical sexual abuse. The force has developed a risk assessment to provide guidance for officers and staff from the point of first contact with the suspect, at the point of interview, and at its conclusion, so that appropriate signposting, or other measures to mitigate the risk, can be taken forward.