Man becomes unwell during detention - Metropolitan Police Service, June 2017

In July 2016 a man became unwell and unresponsive after being arrested and detained in a police van by Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers at a music festival in north London.

We were informed of the incident on the day it took place and attended the post-incident procedure. We determined that the matter should be investigated by the MPS. The outcome of that investigation was that the two officers who dealt with the man would receive learning.

After reviewing the MPS investigation we determined that there were aspects which needed further scrutiny. CCTV footage of the van in which the man was detained highlighted that he was left unsupervised on several occasions, which is against procedure. Further concerns regarding the officers’ response to his medical emergency were also considered.

We therefore began an independent investigation in June 2017. Our investigators reviewed multiple witness statements from MPS officers and staff at the festival. They also studied the CCTV footage from the police van and associated audio recording.

The Lead Investigator formed the opinion that there was sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable tribunal, properly directed, could find misconduct in relation to one of the officers leaving the man unattended in the van on several occasions, including for one minute and ten seconds on one occasion.

After reviewing our report, the MPS agreed and advised that they would hold a misconduct meeting for the officer. At the meeting, the chair concluded that the officer had a case to answer for misconduct and should receive management advice.