Recommendation 1
The IOPC recommends that Essex Police should take steps to ensure that, in line with Authorised Professional Practice, if a detainee being transported in a police van becomes violent and/or stands up during the journey then officers should, where practicable, stop the vehicle, regain control, and only then resume the journey. This is particularly important when officers transport a detainee under an emergency response, and/or the detainee is being restrained by handcuffs or other equipment and are not able to support themselves if they become off-balance.
This follows an IOPC review of a Death and Serious Injury (DSI) investigation whereby a male was being transported to police custody in the caged area of a police van after being arrested. During the journey the man was verbally aggressive to officers, was feeling hot and perspiring in the cage, and complained of feeling faint. Whilst en-route officers took the decision to transport the male under emergency conditions. This decision was made due to a number of factors including the behaviour of the male, his assertion that he was about to faint, his physical appearance, the temperature inside the van and the distance between the location of arrest and the custody suite. During the journey the male stood up in the caged area of the van. He stumbled and fell forwards causing a serious cut to his arm/shoulder. Officers transported the male straight to hospital where he received treatment.
Current Approved Professional Practice is set out in guidance for Moving and transporting detainees | College of Policing.
Addressed to: Essex Police
Linked bodies:
Essex Police