Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Raymond Knight
Ref: 2019-0120
Date: 5 Apr 2019
Coroner: Caroline Beasley-Murray
Area: Essex
Responses identified: 0 / 1
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Police station CCTV cameras do not cover individual holding cells, creating a critical gap in monitoring and photographic records of prisoners.
Date
5 Apr 2019
56-day deadline
31 May 2019
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
Police station CCTV cameras do not cover individual holding cells, creating a critical gap in monitoring and photographic records of prisoners.
View full coroner's concerns
The MATTER OF CONCERN is as follows. –
The CCTV camera positioned in the holding area at Grays Police Station did not include, within its range, sight into the individual holding cells. As a result, there was no photographic record of exactly how Mr Knight was and what he was doing while he was in the holding area. It is essential to be able to see what is happening within the holding cells when a prisoner is detained within one of them. The court was told that a police officer would be required to be at the cell at all times but if, for any reason, there were to be no officer in attendance, a CCTV record of within the cell is essential. The introduction of discrete camera coverage of the holding areas may well prevent future deaths, of whatever cause, in those specific locations.
The CCTV camera positioned in the holding area at Grays Police Station did not include, within its range, sight into the individual holding cells. As a result, there was no photographic record of exactly how Mr Knight was and what he was doing while he was in the holding area. It is essential to be able to see what is happening within the holding cells when a prisoner is detained within one of them. The court was told that a police officer would be required to be at the cell at all times but if, for any reason, there were to be no officer in attendance, a CCTV record of within the cell is essential. The introduction of discrete camera coverage of the holding areas may well prevent future deaths, of whatever cause, in those specific locations.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 20 November 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Raymond Alan Knight The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 4 April 2019. The conclusion of the inquest was:-
At approximately 19.54pm on the 19 November 2017 Mr Raymond Alan Knight was stopped by police. After a search of his vehicle he was then arrested on suspicion of possession with the intent to supply illicit drugs at 20.15. He was transported to Grays Police Station custody suite and whilst waiting in the holding cell with police officers he collapsed. Emergency medical care was provided immediately and paramedics attended. Mr Knight was then taken by ambulance to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Toxicological analysis indicated high levels of cocaine in Mr Knight’s blood.
The death was drug related
At approximately 19.54pm on the 19 November 2017 Mr Raymond Alan Knight was stopped by police. After a search of his vehicle he was then arrested on suspicion of possession with the intent to supply illicit drugs at 20.15. He was transported to Grays Police Station custody suite and whilst waiting in the holding cell with police officers he collapsed. Emergency medical care was provided immediately and paramedics attended. Mr Knight was then taken by ambulance to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Toxicological analysis indicated high levels of cocaine in Mr Knight’s blood.
The death was drug related
Circumstances of the death
See above
Copies sent to
1. Taylor Haldane Barlex solicitors for2. IOPC4. G4S
Similar PFD reports
Report details
- Reference
- 2019-0120
- Date of report
- 5 April 2019
- Coroner
- Caroline Beasley-Murray
- Coroner area
- Essex
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 31 May 2019.
Sent to
- Essex Police