Death in custody - Derbyshire Police, May 2020

Derbyshire Constabulary reviewed its custody model and implemented improvements after learning was identified by an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation following the death of a man.

He was arrested by police and taken to a custody unit after he was detained by members of the public during an incident at Swadlincote on 13 May 2020. He was taken to hospital the same day after his condition deteriorated and sadly died there on 17 May 2020. 

Our ten-month investigation looked at the decisions and actions of police officers and staff in relation to the care and treatment provided to the man during his arrest and while he was in custody, and whether that was in line with force and national policies and procedures.

We found no evidence to indicate police caused or contributed to the death, who told police he had injuries while they were arresting him. However we established there was a three-hour delay in contacting a healthcare professional after the need for him to be seen by one was identified on arrival at custody. 

It was agreed that two officers and a member of custody staff should undergo reflective practice in relation to this.

An officer reflecting on their actions is a formal process reflected in legislation. The reflective practice review process consists of a fact-finding stage and a discussion stage, followed by the production of a reflective review development report. The discussion must include:

• a discussion of the practice requiring improvement and related circumstances that have been identified, and
• the identification of key lessons to be learnt by the participating officer, line management or police force concerned, to address the matter and prevent a reoccurrence of the matter.

The issues highlighted underpinned two learning recommendations to the force aimed at clarifying roles and responsibilities for risk assessments and care plans, and improving the consistency of medical and other information on custody records. The learning was accepted by the force and changes implemented by them following an internal review.