Independent Police Complaints Commission
 Printable version
|
No evidence of misconduct found during Sussex Police's contact with a woman before she died
An IPCC investigation into a Sussex Police officer’s contact with a woman before she died has not found any evidence of misconduct.
Kelly Pearson, 34, died last year after a package of drugs she swallowed became lodged in her throat during a drug-related arrest in Kemp Town, Brighton.
An IPCC independent investigation examined the actions of a police constable who was called to the area near Malthouse Court and Lavender Street by two PCSOs who believed a drug deal was taking place between Miss Pearson and a man on 17 February 2014. The PC noticed that Miss Pearson appeared to place an object in her mouth which she believed was drugs. During her efforts to retrieve the object, it became apparent that Miss Pearson was choking, prompting the PC to request an ambulance and provide first aid. Paramedics arrived at the scene and retrieved a package from Miss Pearson’s throat containing wraps of drugs. She was then taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where she died three days later.
Investigators found evidence that indicated the PC’s actions were an attempt to retrieve pertinent evidence. It was also noted that, despite a lack of training and a force policy on how to deal with swallowed drugs, the PC used prior knowledge and experience by requesting medical assistance promptly and delivered first aid in line with national guidance.
The investigation has made a number of recommendations to the force, which includes developing a policy which outlines procedures to be taken when a person swallows drugs, and that officers should be kept up to date with the policy by regular training.
IPCC Commissioner Jennifer Izekor said: “My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Miss Pearson since her untimely death. This was an incident with a tragic outcome that nobody involved could have predicted at the outset and the investigation did not find any evidence of misconduct against the police officer. It is vital that Sussex Police provides support to its officers by complying with NCPP guidance in developing a clear policy relating to swallowed drug packages.”
