WIREDGOV

More formal training on how to carry out searches appropriately is being given to Devon and Cornwall custody staff following a second investigation into the detention, search and arrest of a man in Plymouth.

The further investigation arose from complaints made on behalf of the bereaved family of Logan Peters following an inquest in May 2016.

Logan Peters, 22, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on 7 May, 2014 and taken to the Charles Cross Custody Centre. While in the custody suite, he attempted to tighten a blanket around his neck. After being charged and released Mr Peters was found dead at his home address in Cornwall the following day, having hanged himself.

The recommendations, which have been acted on by Devon and Cornwall Police, include:

• all custody staff being given more formal training in the appropriate techniques required to perform searches safely
• the custody procedures policy updated to clearly outline the different types of search and the processes that should be followed
• the custody and/or complaints policy updated to include the procedure staff are expected to follow to record and refer complaints made in custody units.

The force previously undertook work in response to learning resulting from our first investigation, which included:

• putting in place a dated, unambiguous policy that follows Authorised Professional Practice (APP) that all detainees should have a dedicated custody sergeant
• ensuring handover procedures are conducted in all custody centres and are recorded audibly and visually on CCTV
• testing and maintaining regularly the cell intercom system in Charles Cross Custody Centre.

Catrin Evans, the Director with responsibility for Devon and Cornwall, said: “This is an incredibly sad case and my thoughts are with Mr Peters’ family and friends, and everyone affected by his death. We found there were a number of interactions at the point of detention and in custody that could have been handled differently.

 “The custody environment is dynamic and high-pressured, and staff need up to date guidance and training to help them perform a challenging role in ensuring the well-being of those detained, some of whom can be highly vulnerable.”

Our first investigation, from May to November 2014, found that certain information regarding Mr Peters’ mental health was not shared with the custody officers and that the healthcare and mental health professionals were not informed about an incident where he had tried to tighten a blanket around his neck. No pre-release risk assessment was recorded before he left custody.

A disciplinary meeting held in 2015 found misconduct for a custody sergeant for failing to complete the pre-release risk assessment and management advice was given. Six other police officers also received management action as a result of the first investigation.

At the conclusion of our second investigation in November 2017, a police officer was found to have a case to answer for misconduct and was given management advice for failing to follow proper procedures during the detention and search of Mr Peters.

Two custody detention officers also had a case to answer for misconduct for conducting a strip search without proper authorisation. Misconduct was proven for one of the detention officers at a misconduct meeting held in April 2018. No further action will be taken due to a recognised lack of training in how to conduct strip searches. The other detention officer has now retired from Devon and Cornwall Police and no further proceedings can be held.

We have awaited the end of all misconduct proceedings before issuing our findings. A summary of our investigations, including all misconduct and performance findings, has been published here.