Woman found dead after welfare checks - North Yorkshire Police, January 2018

On 25 January 2018, North Yorkshire Police (NYP) received a report of concern for the welfare of a woman. The report was made by a local shopkeeper, who informed two police community support officers (PCSOs) that the woman usually came to the shop at least once a day. She explained that the woman had looked increasingly unwell recently and had not been in the shop for two days. The PCSOs visited the woman’s address that morning and then later in the day but there was no answer at the door. The PCSOs had an incident log created requesting a patrol re-visit to check on the woman. Two other PCSOs were sent to complete the welfare check and they updated the control room that they had spoken to the woman at her address, that she was well, had been away recently and had a new job. The incident log was closed as there were no longer concerns for the woman’s welfare.

On 29 January 2018, NYP received a call from a shop assistant at the same shop reporting concerns for the same woman. She informed the police that the woman was a daily customer and had not been seen for six days. An incident log was created for a further welfare check to be considered. Officers visited the woman’s address, knocked and there was no answer. They checked with neighbours and identified that the neighbour had the same first name as the woman and had been visited by PCSOs on 25 January 2018. It was then established that the PCSOs had attended the wrong address. The officers forced entry to the woman’s house and found her dead.

During the investigation, investigators examined incident reports and the action board, listened to the 999 phone calls and radio transmissions, and reviewed pocket notebook entries of the officers and PCSOs involved in the incidents. They also took statements from the key officers involved and from the shopkeeper.

The investigation did identify a missed opportunity to complete further checks on the woman through police attendance at the wrong address and checking on the wrong woman. However, there was no evidence that the police may have caused or contributed to the woman’s death.

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.