Rashan Charles: Officer ‘froze’ in circumstances that were difficult, stressful and exhausting

Mr Charles died in hospital on July 22 last year after he was chased into a shop in Dalston, East London, and choked on a plastic bag filled with caffeine and paracetamol tablets.  

CCTV footage showed a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer – referred to as BX47 – forcing the 20-year-old to the ground and attempting to remove a small package from his throat. In June, an inquest jury concluded that Mr Charles’s death was accidental. 

The IOPC concluded on Wednesday (August 15) that BX47’s use of first aid, his decision not to call an ambulance sooner and some aspects of his restraint technique meant he had a case to answer for unsatisfactory performance, but not misconduct.  

The MPS has agreed with these findings and said this will be taken forward “under unsatisfactory performance proceedings”.  

A decision taken by officers to stop Mr Charles’ hire car was “reasonable”, according to the IOPC, because the driving of the car had been suspicious, including frequent changes in direction.  

It also said there were “reasonable grounds” to stop and search the 20-year-old after he had fled from a car that made off from an attempted police stop, prompting concerns he may have been in possession of a prohibited article.  

However, BX47 was criticised for his “unorthodox” restraint method and failing to switch on his body-worn video (BWV) camera as he left his police vehicle to pursue Mr Charles.  

The IOPC has asked the MPS to make it clear to officers that BWV should be switched on immediately in operational situations. 

IOPC Regional Director for London Jonathan Green said: “This was a tragic incident and I cannot begin to imagine the loss that Rashan’s family have suffered. My sympathies remain with them and everyone affected by Rashan’s death. 

“We found that Officer BX47 was responsible for some basic failings and although they may not have been the cause of Rashan’s death, I think they do represent a failure to perform his role satisfactorily – either through a lack of competence or capability. 

“The evidence suggests that the situation which developed in the shop, did so rapidly, taking the officer by surprise to the extent that he ‘froze’ in circumstances which were difficult, stressful and exhausting. 

“These failures, however, were not deliberate and it is acknowledged by witnesses present at the scene, supported by expert evidence gathered in this investigation, that BX47 did his best in difficult circumstances. BX47 also accepted many of these failings at the recent inquest into Rashan’s death.” 

MPS Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Martin added: “The conclusion of the IOPC investigation supports the recent finding by the inquest jury, that BX47 lawfully and justifiably apprehended and restrained Mr Charles.  

“When it became apparent Mr Charles was in difficulty, first aid and CPR was carried out but nothing BX47 nor their colleague could have done would have saved his life. 

“The IOPC investigation has identified some learning to take forward for BX47 and this will be progressed. 

“The death of anyone after involvement with police is a matter of deep regret and our thoughts and sympathies remain with all those affected.”