Recommendation 1
IOPC recommendationThe 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.
Accepted:
The Northumbria Police policy and guidanc has been reviewed and will be updated to reflect the recommendation from IOPC. A wider review of policy and procedure relating to suicide risk assessments is also being conducted. This will ensure all relevant policy and procedure is fully updated and the approach is consistent. Additional areas which will be addressed include service of Sexual Harm Orders and the Investigation of Serious and Fatal Road Traffic Incidents. Governance of the review and process is via the force Organisational Learning Board.