Recommendation 1
The IOPC recommends that Northumbria Police update their policy/guidance in relation to conducting suicide risk assessments. These should be conducted in person, wherever possible, and any other method used needs to be recorded along with the rationale for the use of that method.
This follows a case where a male was alleged to have sexually abused two family members when they were children (over 25 years ago). Safeguarding concerns were raised in relation to contact with, and access to children in the immediate family and restrictions were implemented. A suicide risk assessment was conducted with the alleged suspect, over the telephone, for Covid-19 reasons. The suspect later attempted to take his own life.
The IO has ascertained that it is 'best practice' to conduct the risk assessments in person and that Northumbria's Crime and Investigation Procedure does not stipulate how suicide risk assessments are conducted. If such assessments are conducted in person, then officers may be able to better assess their state of mind and mental health.
There is no indication that the outcome would have been different, in this case, had the suicide risk assessment been completed in person, but there may be others where it could make a difference.
Addressed to: Northumbria Police
Linked bodies:
Northumbria Police