Woman becomes unwell in custody - Dyfed-Powys Police, October 2017
On 5 October 2017 Dyfed-Powys Police officers arrested a woman on suspicion of being drunk in charge of a vehicle, and of child neglect. She was subsequently de-arrested and transferred to hospital as she felt unwell. The woman was arrested the following day following her discharge from hospital and her detention was authorised.
The custody sergeant placed the woman on Level 1 general observation with 30-minute welfare checks. She was assessed by a healthcare practitioner (HCP) to assess her fitness for detention and interview. It was noted in the custody record that the woman had been given diazepam for alcohol withdrawal when she was in hospital. It was also noted she had declared herself to be alcohol dependent and that three additional diazepam tablets provided by the hospital had been placed in her property. The HCP recommended Level 1 general observation with hourly welfare checks, but the custody sergeant kept the woman on 30-minute welfare checks. During her detention, the woman was seen by the HCP, who noted she was showing signs of alcohol withdrawal, but did not give her any diazepam.
While in consultation with her solicitor, the woman had a seizure. She received medical attention and was transferred to hospital by ambulance.
During the investigation, our investigators interviewed custody staff, examined CCTV footage, obtained medical documentation, and reviewed local and national policies, procedures and legislation.
Evidence showed that officers completed risk assessments during the woman’s detention and that she was assessed by a HCP to determine her fitness to be detained and interviewed. These actions were in line with policy. The woman was placed on Level 1 general observation with 30-minute welfare visits throughout her detention, regardless of the HCP recommending hourly visits. The custody record indicated that the woman was subject to regular monitoring. No emerging issues were identified during the welfare visits recorded, and there is no indication from CCTV evidence that she suffered any seizures before the one she had when with her solicitor.
Based on the evidence available we found no indication that any person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings, or had committed a criminal offence. We completed our investigation in May 2018.
We made a referral to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regarding the HCP so they could determine whether the HCP provided appropriate medical treatment. The NMC advised in December 2018 that, after reviewing all the information, the Case examiner had determined that the HCP had no case to answer and that no further action was required.
Our investigation highlighted some areas for improvement for Dyfed-Powys Police around reminding custody staff that welfare visits using the cell spyhole, viewing screens or CCTV are not sufficient, and reviewing its custody policy so that it reflects the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice in relation to cell checks. The force confirmed that these were being actioned.