Observation checks for man in custody – Cleveland Police, July 2021

In July 2021, Cleveland Police officers arrested a man and brought him into custody. During the booking in process, a custody sergeant conducted a risk assessment and the man stated he had taken a prescribed dosage of methadone but denied taking any other substances. The custody sergeant placed the man on Level two checks which required him to be checked and roused every 30 minutes.

A police officer performing overtime duties in the custody suite was responsible for the man’s welfare and performing the cell checks. During the first three checks, it became more difficult to rouse the man. On the fourth check, the man was unresponsive. Custody staff requested an ambulance, and the man was taken to hospital, where he stayed for approximately 32 hours before returning to custody.

We obtained and reviewed custody logs, CCTV of the custody suite including the man’s cell, accounts of officers involved in the care of the man, and documents which assist custody staff. We obtained local and national policy relating to custody and detention.

Our investigation concluded in January 2022.

We concluded there was no indication any police officer or member of police staff may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence. We were of the opinion that reflective practice was an appropriate outcome.

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. In this case, the investigation has not identified any learning.