Independent Police Complaints Commission
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Update on IPCC James Herbert investigations

Following the inquest into the death of James Herbert, Avon and Somerset Constabulary received a letter from Mr Herbert ’s family detailing a number of complaints including concerns that officers colluded or lied during their evidence, and about the conduct of the force during the inquest proceedings. These complaints were referred to the IPCC which decided to carry out an independent investigation.

The IPCC has looked at the evidence provided to the IPCC as part of the original investigation into Mr Herbert’s death. A number of areas relating to the treatment of Mr Herbert on 10 June 2010 are now being investigated further. As well as investigating whether the police at any stage colluded to give false accounts and/or lied during their evidence at the inquest, the IPCC is examining the actions and decisions of police officers or staff who had any involvement with James on the day of his death.

The IPCC now has three independent investigations linked to the death of Mr Herbert:

• Circumstances of Mr Herbert’s death on 10 June 2010, and the evidence provided by officers at the inquest;

• Information about Mr Herbert held by Avon and Somerset Constabulary prior to his restraint, and the actions of officers earlier on the day of his death;

• Complaint about the conduct of Avon and Somerset Constabulary during the inquest and the way in which the force instructed counsel.

Three police officers, one former police officer and one member of police staff have been served with gross misconduct notices advising them that their conduct is subject to investigation. The notices relate to the investigation into the circumstances of Mr Herbert’s death. Such notices are not judgemental in any way. The IPCC is continuing to keep the force, the officers and Mr Herbert's family updated about the progress of its investigations

Channel website: https://policeconduct.gov.uk/

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