Six officers to face disciplinary proceedings over handling of missing person reports prior to fatal car crash

Eve Smith, Darcy Ross and Rafel Jeanne died and two others were seriously injured in the collision, which is believed to have happened around 2am on March 4, 2023. They were found almost two days later, shortly after midnight on March 6, in a wooded area off the A48, in St Mellons. Gwent Police received the first missing person report in relation to the group at approximately 7.30pm on March 4.

Following a mandatory referral, the IOPC examined Gwent Police’s response to the missing person reports made by family members between March 4 and 5, including if they were appropriately risk assessed, reviewed and resourced.

It has now determined that six officers should face disciplinary proceedings:

• A police sergeant responsible for the supervision and oversight of the missing person investigation during March 5 has a case to answer for gross misconduct for their supervision of the missing persons inquiry;
• A police constable has a case to answer for gross misconduct for allegedly failing to carry out basic enquiries including not recording and sharing information with their supervisor. It is also alleged they failed to communicate appropriately with family members who had reported their loved ones missing;
• Two police constables have a case to answer for gross misconduct after allegedly failing to conduct house searches as per Gwent Police policy and then giving dishonest accounts to their supervisor and IOPC investigators about this. One of the officers was also criminally investigated for offences of misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice. The IOPC did not find sufficient evidence to make a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service;
• A police constable has a case to answer for misconduct for allegedly not carrying out adequate house searches as per Gwent Police policy; and
• A police sergeant has a case to answer for misconduct relating to allegations of failing to review all available information at the time of conducting a risk assessment for the missing women

Derrick Campbell, IOPC Director said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the young people who tragically lost their lives, those who were left seriously injured and everyone affected by this incident.

“This investigation has been complex and resource intensive, but it is important for public confidence in policing that this tragic incident was subject to thorough and independent scrutiny. It will now be for a police disciplinary panel, arranged by Gwent Police, to consider the evidence and reach a decision based on all the available information.”

The IOPC also examined more than 30 complaints from the families of those involved regarding the actions and decisions made by Gwent Police and South Wales Police. The complaints included the way in which both forces communicated with the families throughout the missing person investigation, not progressing information given to police by relatives and communication between the two forces as the investigation progressed.

“We determined that for more than half, the service provided was unacceptable, with recommendations for several officers and staff to take part in the reflective practice review process (RPRP),” the IOPC said.

It has also recommended the following areas of learning should be implemented by both forces:

• Consideration of a protocol between Gwent Police and South Wales Police to enable the joint ownership of a missing person investigation;
• A formal policy document and training for control room staff on what information should be automatically transferred to whichever force owns a missing person investigation; and
• Additional training in communication and prioritising support for families when at the scene of road traffic incidents.

In addition, the IOPC has recommended two Gwent Police officers, originally facing misconduct allegations, undertake the RPRP, for remarks they made at the scene of the collision.

Deputy Chief Constable Nicky Brain of Gwent Police said : “Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with the family and friends of Darcy, Eve and Rafel who tragically lost their lives and those who sustained injuries that night.

“We acknowledge the impact that this investigation has had on them and understand how important the findings of the IOPC will be to all those affected and the wider community.

“We have fully co-operated with the IOPC in their investigation. It’s important that these matters were investigated thoroughly in an open and transparent manner.

“We will now start the process to hold the relevant misconduct hearings and misconduct meetings.”