Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

James Barrett

Ref: 2016-0052 Date: 15 Feb 2016 Coroner: David Horsley Area: Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Responses identified: 1 / 2 View PDF

Ineffective missing persons searches were hampered by reliance on volunteer mapping systems rather than a police stand-alone system, and the lack of tracking devices for searchers.

Date 15 Feb 2016

56-day deadline 11 Apr 2016

Responses identified 1 of 2

Other related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

Ineffective missing persons searches were hampered by reliance on volunteer mapping systems rather than a police stand-alone system, and the lack of tracking devices for searchers.

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In the circumstances it is my statutory to report to you: _ The matters that concern me relate to issues raised in a report given to me at the Inquest by Sergeant 2637 Turner of Hampshire Constabulary: attach a copy of his report upon which have highlighted these issues_ If the mapping of the search for Mr Barrett had been completed on one mapping system, believe the search for him could have been conducted more_ quickly and effectively: day: duty

This could be done in future if the police search advisers had available to them a stand-alone mapping system rather than relying on a volunteer organisation to map out searches. was told that a bid for such a mapping system by the police search team has been turned down by Hampshire Constabulary and would ask that this decision be reviewed in the light of the circumstances of Mr Barrett's death: was also told that the search for Mr Barrett could have been more effective if searchers had been equipped with tracking devices which would allow search organisers to see precisely where searchers had looked for him. should be grateful if Hampshire Police could consider obtaining there devices for use in missing persons searches_

Responses

1 respondent

James BARRETT

6 Apr 2016 PDF

Action Planned

Hampshire Constabulary has submitted a business case for the purchase of a MAPYEX system. Procurement Services has been requested to provide information to identify a timeline for purchase, training requirements and subsequent go-live. (AI summary)

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Dear Sir , Many thanks for your letter dated the15th February but not received by Police Headquarters until the 2Oth March, 2016. You have stated a duty to respond by the 11th April, 2016. can confirm that a business case has been submitted by Sergeant proposing the purchase of a MAPYEX system at E51,000 along with detail of how the system will be used to reach maximum benefits_ On the 22nd March, 2016 recommended the purchase for ratification to Assistant Chief Constable Scott Chilton. He requested information from Procurement Services in order to identify a timeline for purchase, training requirements and subsequent go-live. Due to Easter leave the information is still awaited. With your authority may request an extension to the 25th April; 2016 when am confident full details will be provided: Yours faithfully LA Andy Houghton SY O9A Joint Ops Unit Letterhead (02/2012) PSHRc HAM, 'oNsTAV` 0 Turner

POLICE & CRIME St George's Chambers, St George's Street, Winchester, Hampshire S023 8AJ COMMISSIONER Telephone 01962 871595 SERVING HAMPSHIRE & ISLE OF WICHT E-mail; opcc@hampshire:pnn:police.uk

David C. Horsley LLB Solicitor Date: 8 April 2016 Her Majesty's Coroner for Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Enquiries to: RECEIVED The Coroner's Court Direct line: 11 APR 2016 Guildhall Square Portsmouth Our reference: BY HM CORONER PO1 2GJ Your reference: Dear Mr Horsley Thank you for sending a copy of the report dated 15 February 2016 regarding the death of Mr James Barrett. welcome your consideration of the circumstances surrounding Mr Barrett's death and your subsequent recommendations_ am able to report that Hampshire Constabulary is currently considering a bid to purchase the software recommended, or an equivalent, and would like to offer my assurance that will revisit this matter to ensure that this does occur.

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 18h August 2015 commenced an investigation into the death of James David Barrett; age 66. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 5th February 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was: Medical cause of death: 1a) Severe Ketoacidosis and Hypothermia
2) Alzheimer's Dementia and Diabetes Mellitus Coroner's conclusion as to the death: Death due to an Accident.

Circumstances of the death

On 7th August 2015 James David Barrett; who suffered from Alzheimer's Dementia, went missing from his home. Despite a missing person search having been instituted by the emergency services on 8h August 2015, he was not found until 13th August 2015. He was pronounced deceased at the scene of his discovery by an attending police officer at 15.10 hours that

Action should be taken

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe your organisation have the power to take such action.

Similar PFD reports

Shared signals

Related inquiry recommendations

Report details

Reference: 2016-0052
Date of report: 15 February 2016
Coroner: David Horsley
Coroner area: Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 2

1 response not yet linked

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 11 Apr 2016.

Sent to

Hampshire Constabulary Police

Police Crime Commissioner for Hampshire

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk.

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