Police contact with members of the public before welfare concern - Kent Police, November 2022

In November 2022, two Kent Police Officers attended an address in response to a sounding fire alarm with no response coming from within the property. Officers initially attempted to force entry to the premises, and then gained entry by a man opening the front door. Both officers entered this man’s home where a second man was seen sat in an armchair. 

One of the officers enquired if he was alright and they were told he was asleep. They did not attempt to wake him. The officers found the cause of alarm from the kitchen, carried out police database checks then left the property.

Different officers re-attended the same address two days later following reports of a concern for one of the man's welfare. Officer's forced entry and discovered both men were dead in the living room. The second man was in the armchair in what appeared to be the same position he was in on during the first police visit. 

Our investigators collected and analysed a range of evidence including body worn video footage, CCTV footage, radio communications and witness statements.

Our investigation concluded in August 2023 but we waiting for associated proceedings, such as an inquest, to finish before sharing findings. 

We concluded that no police officer had behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or had committed a criminal offence.

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.