Suicide following contact with police - Durham Constabulary, October 2017

On 2 October 2017, two Durham Constabulary officers visited a suspect’s home address to arrange for them to attend a voluntary interview regarding historic abuse allegations. The interview was mutually arranged for 9 October. However, on 5 October the suspect was found dead at their home.

Our investigators obtained statements from the two officers who attended the address on 2 October and the suspect’s spouse. Investigators also reviewed the risk assessments the officers conducted prior to their visit and the relevant policies and procedures covering the risk assessment of suspects.

The investigation concluded there was no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence. All police officers co-operated fully with this investigation.

After reviewing our report, Durham Constabulary agreed with our findings.

Durham Constabulary has subsequently introduced a new process for dealing with suspects who are requested to attend voluntary interviews. We have recognised this as an example of ‘quick time learning’ to inform good practice.