Recommendation 1
The IOPC recommends that Kent Police reviews its domestic abuse policy and includes clear guidance for officers dealing with cases where they are informed by the victim of the perpetrators suicidal threats or ideation. The guidance should detail how officers ensure that the risk to the perpetrator is clearly identifiable and visible to those involved in the investigation and/or a custody setting in order that appropriate risk assessments can be considered alongside any safeguarding requirements.
A review of a local DSI investigation has shown that there is a potential missed opportunity to safeguard a suspect in a domestic violence case, when the suspect was reported to threaten suicide.
An incident of domestic violence was reported to police. Officers responded and spoke with the victim who completed a domestic abuse risk assessment. In that assessment she was asked whether the suspect threatened suicide. She replied often. No further action was taken in relation to this information. The suspect later the same day went on to kill himself.
There does not appear to be any formal guidance available for officers to assist them in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of a suspect in such offences when a victim reports their previous threats of suicide. The creation of guidance will assist officers in these circumstances in terms of what steps to take and who to bring this to the attention of, in order to ensure safeguarding measures are put in place.
Addressed to: Kent Police
Linked bodies:
Kent Police