Man becomes unwell in custody - Devon and Cornwall Police, November 2017

At 2.25pm on 30 November 2017, the probation service contacted Devon and Cornwall Police to report that a man had had a “breakdown” after they were unable to assist him in finding accommodation. It was reported that he threatened to kill himself and left, then returned moments later and head-butted the glass door and window of the café next door, breaking the glass and the hinges of the door, and the glass of the window.

At 2.50pm, an off-duty police officer arrested the man on suspicion of criminal damage. Police attended the scene and he was taken to Charles Cross Custody, Plymouth, where his detention was authorised at 2.57pm.

During a cell visit at 4.40pm, the man was found on his side, conscious but unresponsive, with his head hanging over the bunk and vomit coming out of his nose. A Healthcare Professional (HCP) attended, and an ambulance was requested at 4.50pm. The ambulance arrived at approximately 5pm and the man was taken to hospital, where he recovered. He was released from hospital and returned to custody at 4.50pm on 1 December 2017.

Our investigators reviewed custody CCTV footage and the custody record, and obtained accounts from the Custody Sergeant and HCP.

Based on the evidence available, we found no indication any police officer may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.

After reviewing our report, Devon and Cornwall Police agreed with our findings.