External review of IPCC’s investigation into Sean Rigg’s death

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has today outlined details of the external review of its investigation into the death of Sean Rigg in August 2008.

Following the jury’s narrative verdict at the inquest into Mr Rigg’s death and publication of the IPCC’s investigation report, Dame Anne Owers, Chair of the IPCC, commissioned an external review of the investigation to identify areas of improvement for the organisation.

The review will be led by Dr Silvia Casale with assistance from James Lewis QC who will advise on legal aspects of the review, and Martin Corfe, a consultant forensic mental health nurse.

 

Dr Casale has met with Mr Rigg’s family and the terms of reference for the review have been shared.

 

Dr Casale will review the investigation carried out by the IPCC in light of the evidence given at the inquest and the verdict of the jury.

 

The review will also:

 

• Take account of the concerns of the Rigg family about the effectiveness and approach of the investigation;

• Determine whether to recommend that further investigation is required into the conduct of any police officer or member of police staff with a view either to misconduct or criminal proceedings;

• Identify any learning including:

i. Any organisational or individual learning for the IPCC in its handling of investigations that engage Article 2 of the ECHR and investigations that involve mental health issues;

ii. Any broader issues or questions either for the IPCC or the overall system for investigating deaths following police contact, to inform the review into deaths following police contact already launched by the IPCC;

iii. Any issues raised by the relationships between the IPCC and the coronial process.

• Take account of the parallel review of health and social care support being carried out by Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board.

Dame Anne Owers said:

 

“I am very pleased that Dr Silvia Casale has agreed to lead the independent review of our investigation. She has an immense amount of experience in monitoring and overseeing the conditions and treatment of those detained by police and other agencies, in line with human rights obligations, and has trained others to do so, both nationally and internationally.  I am also pleased that she will be assisted by two independent legal and forensic mental health experts.

 

“The IPCC will cooperate fully with the independent review. The review’s findings will feed into the overall IPCC review of our work into deaths following police contact.”

 

Dr Casale said:

 

“The independent investigation of deaths in police custody is difficult and complex work. As one of the most important safeguards of the rule of law, it is vital for maintaining accountability and public confidence in the police. I hope that this review will contribute to the IPCC’s on-going efforts to ensure a fair, rigorous and thorough process of investigation as well as to the ultimate aim of preventing future tragedy, such as the death of Mr Rigg.”

 

It is anticipated Dr Casale will report on her findings in spring 2013. 

For media queries contact the IPCC press office on 0207 166 3134 

Dr Casale was the president of both the European and UN committees for the prevention of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment. She carries out consultancy work internationally on monitoring the treatment and conditions of those in detention. She also sits on the board of the Prison Reform Trust.