Response
Action Planned
Following a review, the police force will implement eight recommendations including reviewing and amending the Sudden Death Policy, preventing closure of the STORM log until investigation completion, and recording all raised actions numerically. (AI summary)
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Dear Mr Layton
Re: Michaela Marie Haines Inquest – Regulation 28 Report
I write in response to your letter dated 23 November 2017 concerning the above matter and sad circumstances surrounding the death of Ms Haines. I am also aware that you have met with the Chief Constable in order to discuss this issue and of course our meeting of last Friday at your office.
In my capacity as Head of CID for Dyfed Powys Police and on your instruction in accordance with Regulation 28, I caused a review to be conducted by a Force Senior Investigating Officer to explore the initial response and subsequent investigation. I am also aware of the Human Rights Article 2 Ruling On Engagement report, which I have read in pursuance of this review and letter.
Following the completion of the review I am firmly of the belief that there are no suspicious circumstances. The investigation concerning the events of the evening shows no evidence of third party involvement. However, it apparent that the recent separation from her boyfriend was causing Ms Haines some distress and I support your view that it was a cry for help which tragically resulted in her death.
I note and agree with your observations in relation to the inconsistent endorsement of the Police STORM log resulting in confusion in respect of officer in command, management / allocation of actions and their subsequent endorsement which did impact on the effective recovery and collection of CCTV. However, in light of these shortcomings, there was sufficient evidence elsewhere including CCTV to show no third party involvement which supports the Open Conclusion at the Inquest.
As a consequence of the review, eight Eich cyf/Your ref :
Ein cyf/Our ref : 2-2018 Gofynnwch am/Please ask for : Prif Gwnstabl • Mr. Mark Collins • Chief Constable Y Wobr Brydeinig am Wasanaeth o Safon
The National Award For Quality of Service
Mae Heddlu Dyfed-Powys yn croesawu Gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg.
Dyfed-Powys Police welcomes Correspondance in either Welsh or English. Buddsoddwyr Mewn Pobl
Investors in People
recommendations were identified which are currently subject to implementation and include:
Review and amendment of Sudden Death Policy confirming officer in command and method to record enquiries STORM log will not be closed until investigation is complete or transfer to alternative system to record enquiries Clear decision and rationale outlining determination of investigation All raised actions be recorded numerically
In drafting this letter and causing a review it is my intention to provide you with reassurance that the matters raised are being addressed, and more importantly, to confirm with the family that there is no third party involvement.
I cannot adequately express my sympathy for the family of Ms Haines and would willingly and sensitively be prepared to meet them and explain the process and findings of this review, if indeed they would find that helpful.
Re: Michaela Marie Haines Inquest – Regulation 28 Report
I write in response to your letter dated 23 November 2017 concerning the above matter and sad circumstances surrounding the death of Ms Haines. I am also aware that you have met with the Chief Constable in order to discuss this issue and of course our meeting of last Friday at your office.
In my capacity as Head of CID for Dyfed Powys Police and on your instruction in accordance with Regulation 28, I caused a review to be conducted by a Force Senior Investigating Officer to explore the initial response and subsequent investigation. I am also aware of the Human Rights Article 2 Ruling On Engagement report, which I have read in pursuance of this review and letter.
Following the completion of the review I am firmly of the belief that there are no suspicious circumstances. The investigation concerning the events of the evening shows no evidence of third party involvement. However, it apparent that the recent separation from her boyfriend was causing Ms Haines some distress and I support your view that it was a cry for help which tragically resulted in her death.
I note and agree with your observations in relation to the inconsistent endorsement of the Police STORM log resulting in confusion in respect of officer in command, management / allocation of actions and their subsequent endorsement which did impact on the effective recovery and collection of CCTV. However, in light of these shortcomings, there was sufficient evidence elsewhere including CCTV to show no third party involvement which supports the Open Conclusion at the Inquest.
As a consequence of the review, eight Eich cyf/Your ref :
Ein cyf/Our ref : 2-2018 Gofynnwch am/Please ask for : Prif Gwnstabl • Mr. Mark Collins • Chief Constable Y Wobr Brydeinig am Wasanaeth o Safon
The National Award For Quality of Service
Mae Heddlu Dyfed-Powys yn croesawu Gohebiaeth yn y Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg.
Dyfed-Powys Police welcomes Correspondance in either Welsh or English. Buddsoddwyr Mewn Pobl
Investors in People
recommendations were identified which are currently subject to implementation and include:
Review and amendment of Sudden Death Policy confirming officer in command and method to record enquiries STORM log will not be closed until investigation is complete or transfer to alternative system to record enquiries Clear decision and rationale outlining determination of investigation All raised actions be recorded numerically
In drafting this letter and causing a review it is my intention to provide you with reassurance that the matters raised are being addressed, and more importantly, to confirm with the family that there is no third party involvement.
I cannot adequately express my sympathy for the family of Ms Haines and would willingly and sensitively be prepared to meet them and explain the process and findings of this review, if indeed they would find that helpful.