Source · IOPC Learning Case

Recommendation - Sussex Police, March 2023

Sussex Police Ref: 2022/172134 Recommended 23 Mar 2023 Response due 17 May 2023

Custody and detention

Case background

Text published by the IOPC.

We identified organisational learning from a review following other handling. The complainant requested a review after making a complaint to Sussex Police. She alleged an unlawful arrest and sexual assault when in custody. During a search, her clothing was removed and she was placed into anti-rip clothing. She alleged she was sexually assaulted as the search and removal of her clothing was unwarranted. The case papers revealed that the officers involved in the search and removal of her clothing could not be identified on the custody record.

Recommendations and responses

1 indexed

Recommendation 1

Link to recommendation · Accepted

Addressed to: Sussex Police

Linked bodies: Sussex Police

IOPC recommendation

The IOPC recommends that Sussex Police should take steps to ensure that details/identity of all officers/custody staff present are documented in the custody record when:

A detainee is searched in custody (irrespective of the level of search)A detainee has their clothing removed for safety purposes which expose intimate parts of the body.

Response published by the IOPC

Do you accept the recommendation?

Yes

Accepted action:

The recommendation is accepted and will be passed to Custody for the creation of guidance, messaging and implementation. The progress of this recommendation will be monitored through the ACC Local Policing Accountability Board.

Check the original case on the IOPC website