3 September 2004
For Immediate Release

IPCC Statement on the Investigation into Michael Powell’s Death

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is continuing to supervise the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Michael Powell who died in police custody last year.

Mr Powell, aged 39, died shortly after being arrested outside his mother’s home in Birmingham on 7 September 2003. The death was referred to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) which began supervising an investigation by Northamptonshire Police. The IPCC replaced the PCA on 1 April 2004 and has responsibility for concluding its cases.

John Crawley, IPCC Commissioner for the West Midlands said:

“The coming days will be particularly painful for Mr Powell’s family and friends as we approach the first anniversary of Michael’s death. I wish to assure them, and the public at large, that our investigation into his death is making solid progress. We have recently received expert medical reports relating to the cause of death. We continue to work closely with the CPS and Northamptonshire Police to conclude this investigation. Of course if there are any broader lessons for the police to learn I will ensure they are identified and implemented by the senior management of the force.”

Two West Midlands police officers have been charged with common assault as a result of the on-going inquiry. The CPS is still considering whether further charges against officers should be brought.

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Notes to editors:

  1. The IPCC took over responsibility for police complaints in England and Wales on 1 April 2004 from the Police Complaints Authority.
  2. The IPCC is a new organisation with increased powers and responsibilities.  All serious incidents involving death or serious injury, allegations of racially discriminatory behaviour and corruption must be referred to the IPCC. It will then decide how it should be investigated.
  3. The IPCC has new powers to decide appeals against the police service’s refusal to record a complaint and the outcome of complaints investigated by the police service themselves.  It is also responsible for setting standards that the police service must meet when investigating complaints from members of the public.
  4. The 18 Commissioners appointed to the Commission have never, by law, been employed by the police service.
  5. The IPCC has its headquarters in London and four regional offices serving London and the south-east, south-west England and Wales, central England and the north of England.
  6. Further background information can be found at www.ipcc.gov.uk

For Further Information Contact:
IPCC Press Office on 020 7166 3142 or the out-of-hours duty press officer on 07717 851157.