‘Nonchalant approach’ at custody suite criticised

Lancashire Constabulary has been advised to address the disparity between its training and operational practice regarding cell visits, after an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation said the force had a “nonchalant approach to policies and procedures” designed to protect the welfare of detainees.
The independent investigation looked into the death of Stephen South, 36, who died in 2007. An inquest has returned an open verdict as the cause of his death could not be determined.
Mr South, who had a history of drug and alcohol problems, was detained at Blackpool custody suite after it was determined he was unfit to be read his rights or undergo a formal risk assessment.
Mr South was put into a Life Signs Monitoring System (LSMS) cell and placed on a schedule of 15-minute visits. Between his admittance to the cell and the time at which he was determined fit to be read his rights, Mr South had been visited 25 times.
The LSMS cell contains sensors which detect movement, including breathing, which can be monitored from a screen in the custody reception area. The system also records when the cell door or hatch is opened, and records revealed that on the last 18 occasions Mr South was checked, neither the hatch nor the door had been opened.
The investigation determined that checks were conducted using only the spy-hole as standard practice at Blackpool custody suite, despite official training that this was unacceptable.
After being transferred to a normal cell, Mr South was found unresponsive. Paramedics were called but were unable to revive him.
The IPCC investigation concluded that no evidence existed to suggest the actions or inactions of any officer contributed to Mr South’s death, but a number of procedural errors were identified, including two custody sergeants failing to conduct a risk assessment and one custody sergeant failing to specify a requirement to rouse Mr South when placed on 15-minute cell visits.
Based on the findings, two sergeants have received formal words of advice and Lancashire Constabulary has been advised to remind custody staff that a spy-hole check does not constitute an acceptable welfare check under any circumstances, and to address the disparity that exists between training and operational practice for cell visits.
However, Naseem Malik, IPCC Commissioner for the North West, stressed there was no evidence of any of the errors contributing to Mr South’s death. “He was seen twice by medical professionals who had no concerns for his welfare, and when he did become ill quick action was taken and every effort made to try to save him. Unfortunately, the efforts were unsuccessful. What was found was a nonchalant approach to the policies and procedures that exist to ensure the welfare of detainees.