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Custody improved after man's suicide

Disciplinary action against police officers, and recognition that further training needed

Four years after a young man with mental health issues killed himself the day after being released from police custody, disciplinary proceedings have been completed against officers and 'misconduct' found in some cases. Devon and Cornwall has subsequently improve custody procedures.

The bereaved family of Logan Peters, who was 22, made a complaint to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following an inquest in May 2016 into his death. It led to the second investigation into handling of the case. As a result, further formal training is to be given to custody staff into how to carry out searches appropriately. 

Mr Peters had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in 2014 and taken to Charles Cross police station in Plymouth. Whilst there, he tried to tighten a blanket around his neck. After being charged and released, he was found to have hanged himself at his home in Cornwall the following day. 

A first investigation later that year found that information about Mr Peter's mental health issues hadn't been shared with custody offices and that healthcare professionals weren't aware of the incident with the blanket. He left custody without a pre-release risk assessment being carried out. A custody sergeant was later subject to a disciplinary hearing and 'misconduct' found.

Following the first investigation, Devon and Cornwall:

  • put in place a dated, unambiguous policy so that all detainees have a dedicated custody sergeant

  • ensured handover procedures are conducted in all custody centres and are recorded audibly and visually on CCTV

  • now test and regularly maintain the cell intercom system in Charles Cross Custody Centre

Following the second investigation:

  • custody staff were given more formal training in the appropriate techniques required to perform searches safely

  • custody procedures policy was updated to clearly outline the different types of search and the processes that should be followed

  • the custody and/or complaints policy were updated to include the procedure staff are expected to follow to record and refer complaints made in custody units

Catrin Evans, form the Independent Office for Police Conduct who has responsibility for Devon and Cornwall, says: “This is an incredibly sad case and my thoughts are with Mr Peters’ family and friends, and everyone affected by his death. We found there were a number of interactions at the point of detention and in custody that could have been handled differently. The custody environment is dynamic and high-pressured, and staff need up to date guidance and training to help them perform a challenging role in ensuring the well-being of those detained, some of whom can be highly vulnerable.”

The second investigation has also resulted in two custody detention officers facing disciplinary hearings for conducting a strip search without proper authorisation. Misconduct was proven for one of the detention officers, but further action isn't being taken because of a recognised lack of training in how to conduct strip searches. The other detention officer has now retired which means further proceedings can't be held.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct waited until all misconduct proceedings were completed before issuing it findings. The full details are here: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/recommendations/recommendations-devon-and-cornwall-constabulary-november-2017

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