Police response to concern for welfare - West Mercia Police, March 2023

In March 2023, West Mercia Police received a radio message to their control room from a County Council CCTV operator raising a concern for the welfare of a woman lying in the street in Worcester. 

The police communications officer receiving the message enquired about the nature of the concern before stating that the enquiry would be suitable for the ambulance service. West Mercia Police did not alert the ambulance service or confirm that they would call an ambulance. 

Approximately 30 minutes later, a member of the public called for an ambulance after finding the person lying in the street. The ambulance attended and found the woman to be in cardiac arrest. 

Police also attended the scene at the request of the ambulance. The ambulance took her to hospital and despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead.

During the investigation, we examined evidential material including calls made to West Mercia Police and the West Midlands Ambulance Service, police incident logs, police and other witness’s accounts, and relevant police policies and procedures. 

There was no indication that any member of staff from West Mercia Police may have 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.