WIREDGOV

Kent Police has accepted a learning recommendation highlighted by the IPCC as part of an independent investigation launched following the death of a man in police custody.

Carl Maynard, 29, had been arrested at a property in Maidstone at about 3pm, 13 October, 2017 following allegations of a domestic incident on 1 October.

He was transported to Tonbridge Police station where he collapsed. South East Coast ambulance services were called and medical assistance provided but at 5.45pm Mr Maynard was pronounced deceased.

Officers have provided accounts, CCTV has been obtained and assessed and relevant policies and guidance have been reviewed to determine if correct procedures were followed.

As part of this work the IPCC asked Kent Police to update its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on ‘Defendant Custody Management’ in circumstances where an officer knows or suspects a person is in urgent need of medical attention, and the force has agreed to do so.

The IPCC has also informed three officers their actions in carrying out Mr Maynard’s arrest on 13 October and the subsequent level of care provided to him may have constituted gross misconduct. The serving of misconduct notices on officers does not indicate guilt, or mean that misconduct proceedings will necessarily follow. They will be interviewed under misconduct caution in due course.

Operations manager Catherine Hall said: “Our investigation, launched following the tragic death of Mr Maynard, is progressing well. IPCC investigators are currently assessing the evidence already gathered and continuing lines of enquiry.’’

“I am pleased Kent Police has accepted our quick-time learning recommendation and that they will look to implement it immediately.

“The serving of the notices on the three officers represents a new stage in our investigation but I would like to emphasise it does not indicate guilt on any person's part.”

A post mortem was carried out last month which proved inconclusive, further tests are due to be carried out