In the early hours of a morning, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a report from a woman that her partner had taken drugs and was refusing to leave their house. Officers went to the address, but there were no offences being reported and it appeared that the woman was content for her partner to stay in the house.
The woman made several more calls throughout the day to report similar circumstances. Officers attended again, and the partner was asked to leave the area.
The same evening, the woman made a final call to the police to report that her partner climbed in through the window. Officers were deployed immediately, and they found the man outside the address. They made attempts to move the man from the area, but this was unsuccessful and the man was arrested.
After being informed of his arrest, a struggle ensued between the man and the officers, resulting in him being taken to the ground and subject to incapacitant spray. One officer also struck him with his fist and knee.
Once handcuffed, the man was carried to the police van by officers and placed in the rear of it, lying on his front. Police officers discussed his condition as he was breathing, but unresponsive. An ambulance was requested but cancelled within minutes as officers believed the man was in fact responsive. The officers then attempted to re-position the man, so he was sat upright between two affixed seats. This resulted in him being transported to custody while slumped down the side of the van.
At custody, a nurse confirmed that she was unable to find a pulse. The police requested an ambulance and performed CPR. The man was subsequently taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
We specifically investigated the circumstances leading up to the death of the man, his detention and arrest by the officers who responded to the reports of disturbance.
During our investigation, we investigated the conduct of all ten officers who attended the property. All were interviewed under caution.
We also obtained statements from witnesses, including neighbours and custody staff. We also reviewed the officers’ body-worn video footage and CCTV from outside the custody building.
Our investigation concluded in August 2019.
We found six officers had a case to answer for gross misconduct for possible breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour regarding conduct and duties and responsibilities. This was in relation to the lack of action or recognition that the man needed medical assistance.
One of the officers was also found to have a case to answer in respect of their use of force during the incident.
We passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider criminal charges in relation to five of the officers we investigated.
The decision was made not to charge any of them with an offence.
The force agreed and arranged disciplinary proceedings. Following a three-week misconduct hearing in December 2021, the panel found the case was proven at the level of misconduct for four of the officers and they were given written warnings.
A fifth officer was found to have no case to answer. During the hearing, the case against a sixth officer, was dismissed.
None of the misconduct findings related to the use of force against the man.
An inquest held in December 2022, recorded a narrative conclusion that the man died as a result of having suffered a cardiac arrest in the back of a police van after taking cocaine and being involved in a 'significant' and 'high-stressing, physical struggle' with officers.
During this restraint, the inquest heard that an episode of Acute Behavioural Disturbance (ABD) developed.
The Coroner was satisfied that a Prevention of Future Death report was necessary and will write to the College of Policing and National Police Chiefs' Council regarding the training given to officers in England and Wales around ABD.
We carefully considered whether there were any organisational learning opportunities arising from the investigation. We make learning recommendations to improve policing and public confidence in the police complaints system and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
Our investigation also identified areas of potential learning for GMP relating to the way detainees who are unable to sit up are transported as well as the training provided to officers to help them recognise when suspects are showing signs of acute behavioural disorder. The force proposed ways to address both and so there was no need for any statutory recommendations in this case.
An act of parliament that provides the core framework of police powers to combat crime and provide codes of practice for the exercise of these powers.
Leads and manages the development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The body that represents the interests of all police constables, sergeants, and inspectors.
Deals with someone’s inability or failure to perform to a satisfactory level, but without breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
Focuses on putting an issue right and preventing it from happening again by encouraging those involved to reflect on their actions and learn. It is not a disciplinary process or a disciplinary outcome.
Department within a police force that deals with complaints and conduct matters.
Refers to lower-level misconduct or performance-related issues, which are dealt with in a proportionate and constructive manner.
This means doing what is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the facts and the context in which the complaint has been raised, within the framework of legislation and guidance.
The average is calculated using the individual results of the forces in that most similar force group.
An investigation carried out by IOPC staff.
Carried out by the police under their own direction and control. The IOPC sets the terms of reference and receives the investigation report when it is complete. Complainants have a right of appeal following a supervised investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
This act sets out how the police complaints system operates.
How a police force is run, for example policing standards or policing policy.
An investigation carried out by the police under the direction and control of the IOPC.
The organisation that is responsible for assessing how to deal with a complaint. For example – whether it can be handled locally or reaches the criteria for referral to the IOPC. The appropriate authority may be the chief officer of the police force or the PCC for the force. If a complaint investigation finds that someone has a case to answer for misconduct, the appropriate authority is responsible for arranging any misconduct proceedings. If you make a complaint, the appropriate authority for your case will contact you.
An intelligence-led agency with law enforcement powers, it is also responsible for reducing the harm that is caused to people and communities by serious organised crime.
Policing bodies include police and crime commissioners, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
Investigations carried out entirely by the police. Complainants have a right of appeal following a local investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
IOPC guidance to the police service and police authorities on the handling of complaints.
A complaint or recordable conduct matter that doesn’t need to be referred to the IOPC, but where the seriousness or circumstances justifies referral.
Parameters within which an investigation is conducted.
A person is adversely affected if he or she suffers any form of loss or damage, distress or inconvenience, if he or she is put in danger or is otherwise unduly put at risk of being adversely affected.
This is where a manager deals with the way someone has behaved. It can include: showing the police officer or member of staff how their behaviour fell short of expectations set out in the Standards of Professional Behaviour; identifying expectations for future conduct; or addressing any underlying causes of misconduct.
This could be the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A breach of standards of professional behaviour by police officers or staff so serious it could justify their dismissal.
A matter where no complaint has been received, but where there is an indication that a person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
Quarter 1 covers 1 April - 30 June
Quarter 2 covers 1 April - 30 September
Quarter 3 covers 1 April - 31 December
Quarter 4 covers the full financial year (1 April - 31 March).
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
Used to house anyone who has been detained.
Complainants have the right to appeal to the IOPC if a police force did not record their complaint or notify the correct police force if it was made originally to the wrong force.
The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts behind a complaint, conduct matter, or DSI matter and reach conclusions. An investigator looks into matters and produces a report that sets out and analyses the evidence. There are three types of investigations: local, directed and independent.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
A person who makes a complaint about the conduct of someone serving with the police.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
List of officers and staff who have been dismissed from policing, or would have been if they had not retired or resigned.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
An independent judicial officer, the coroner enquires into deaths reported to him/her.
A breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that would justify at least a written warning.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
A record is made of a complaint, giving it formal status as a complaint under the Police Reform Act 2002.
This is a format where information is written in plain English and short sentences.
The IOPC must be notified about specific types of complaint or incidents to be able to decide how they should be dealt with.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
Casework involves assessing appeals. Casework staff also have a role in overseeing the police complaints system to help ensure police forces handle complaints in the best possible way.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
Conduct includes acts, omissions, statements and decisions (whether actual, alleged or inferred). For example: language used and the manner or tone of communications.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
