Man becomes unwell in custody - South Wales Police, February 2017

On 11 February 2017, a man was arrested by South Wales Police officers for being found in possession of controlled drugs after being searched. He was transported to Bridgend custody unit, where his detention was authorised by the custody sergeant. The man said to the custody sergeant that he was intoxicated through alcohol and drugs, had a history of mental ill health, had previously attempted suicide, and was having difficulty breathing after puncturing his lung a few weeks before.

The man was subject to a further cursory search in custody and no further items of concern were found.

The man was placed in a cell and subject to intermittent observation due to his intoxication. A few hours after his initial detention, the man was found to be unwell. A number of bags containing crystalline material were found in his cell.

The man was taken to hospital by ambulance and placed in an induced coma.

During the investigation, investigators reviewed CCTV evidence recovered from the scene of arrest and the custody unit, obtained statements from several witnesses, reviewed custody documentation, and reviewed local and national guidance and legislation.

The Investigator formed the opinion that there was sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable tribunal, properly directed, could find misconduct for a custody sergeant for not conducting a strip search on the man when he arrived in custody and not seeking medical assistance for him.

After reviewing our report the force agreed with our findings and held a misconduct meeting for the custody sergeant, at which the case for misconduct was not proven. However, performance issues were identified for the custody sergeant, who received management advice.