IPCC says nine officers have a case to answer

Nine Hampshire Constabulary officers and one member of staff have received internal disciplinary sanctions after an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found potential misconduct in their handling of events prior to a man’s death.

The burned body of Jamie Dack, a 22-year-old homeless man, was found in a bin in Southampton on April 8, 2012. Donna Chalk, 22, Andrew Dwyer-Skeats, 27, and 32-year-old Ryan Woodmansey were convicted of his murder at a retrial at Winchester Crown Court on June 21.

The IPCC investigated Hampshire Constabulary’s processing of an alleged assault on Mr Dack weeks before his body was found, as well as reports that he had gone missing two days before his remains were discovered. It found the handling of the assault was “less than prompt or effective” and the missing persons report failed to properly assess the risk relating to his disappearance.

The IPCC investigation had concluded in March, but publication of the findings was delayed until the conclusion of criminal proceedings last week.

Two inspectors, four sergeants, three police constables and a member of police staff all had a case of misconduct to answer over individual failings in dealing with either the assault on Mr Dack or their handling of the missing persons report. One police constable will attend a misconduct hearing, while the other Hampshire Constabulary officers and staff have received management action from the force.

IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin said: “Our investigation identified a catalogue of basic failings by Hampshire Constabulary in their dealing with Jamie as a victim of crime and also when he was reported missing just two days before his body was discovered.”

Detective Superintendent Colin Smith said the force will always strive to improve where failings or shortfalls have been identified.