WIREDGOV

We have found no evidence that would justify disciplinary proceedings for any officer involved in the restraint of Karl Brunner prior to his death in Bedford in May 2016.

Early in the investigation we recommended that Bedfordshire Police ensure that its officers are aware of their obligation to treat anyone who may have swallowed drugs as a medical emergency and to ensure they are taken directly to hospital.

On the day of his death Bedfordshire police carried out a pre-planned stop on Mr Brunner based on intelligence that he was in possession of drugs. He was stopped near the bus station in Midland Road at about 12.30pm.

Three officers arrested and restrained Mr Brunner on the ground and during this time Mr Brunner put the package in his mouth. Officers then verbally instructed Mr Brunner to spit out the package and used force in an attempt to make him do so.

When Mr Brunner became unresponsive officers called an ambulance and started CPR. Mr Brunner was taken to Bedford General Hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead at 1.18pm.

At his inquest last week a jury concluded accidental death.

IOPC Regional Director for the south east Sarah Green said:

“My thoughts are with Mr Brunner’s family, friends and all those affected by this incident.

“Tragically Mr Brunner’s death is a reminder of the risks of attempting to swallow packages and that police need to be especially vigilant when dealing with people suspected of doing so. We found no indication that any officer acted in a way that would warrant disciplinary proceedings but we did identify that officers did not seem familiar with guidance that people suspected of swallowing packages should be taken for immediate medical treatment.

“We are satisfied that Bedfordshire Police has taken steps to remedy this situation.” 

We completed our investigation in November 2017, however, publication of our findings has awaited the end of his inquest.

The IOPC investigation report into Karl Brunner’s death will be published in due course.