Recommendation 1
IOPC recommendationThe IOPC recommends that Sussex Police should create a policy which determines the offences for which a suicide risk assessment must be completed and formally recorded.
This recommendation has arisen as a result of a Death or Serious Injury where a man took his own life during a criminal investigation into a historic rape allegation. The investigating officer has ascertained that there is no current force policy which states that a suicide risk assessment must be completed and an assessment did not take place in this incident.
These types of cases increase the risk and vulnerability of the suspect and appropriate safeguarding considerations should be conducted and documented. The completion of a suicide risk assessment could assist in the provision of appropriate safeguarding actions, which may help to prevent these vulnerable adults from taking their own lives.
Not accepted
Use of the Suicide Risk Management Plan
There are various offences that are emotive and hold a significant stigma within society such as child sexual offences, rape and sexual assault. When dealing with a suspect for these offences, it may not be obvious to consider their welfare but our responsibility to remain objective dictates we must.
If you have concerns during the course of an investigation, there is a template available on NICHE to assist in managing this risk. The template prompts you to consider certain enquires and offer advice and guidance to the suspect so they can take personal proactive measures in order to support themselves.
It may not be obvious that a person is at risk of self-harm, but there are some offences, particularly those involving children where we know there is an elevated risk. As such, it is mandated that any suspect arrested for a sexual offence involving a child will be subject of a Suspect Suicide Risk Assessment Plan (Suicide Risk Assessment Plan can be found on the occurrence, within the suspect profile, in Reports).
In addition, and irrespective of offence type, if during the arrest and/or interview phase there is a concern for the safety of the suspect, then the Suspect Suicide Risk Assessment Plan must be completed prior to their release and the custody sergeant informed of your concerns.
It must be remembered that self-harm and suicide of suspects is not uncommon particularly with child sex offences and the welfare implications for officers and staff cannot be ignored.
The Suicide Risk Management Plan is available on NICHE under the Individual.