20 August 2008

IPCC releases findings from investigation into South Yorkshire Police dealings with woman prior to death

Following the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Leanne Whiteley, the Independent Police Complaints Commission can release the findings from its investigation into how South Yorkshire Police dealt with her prior to her death.

Ms Whiteley, 21, of Water Slack Walks, Sheffield was found hanged at her home at approximately 10:30am on 10 October 2007. South Yorkshire Police officers had dealt with issues involving Ms Whiteley on a several occasions in the preceding month, including one incident a few hours before her death.

In particular, the IPCC’s independent investigation focussed on contact between South Yorkshire Police and Ms Whiteley from 8-10 October.

On 8 October Ms Whiteley was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and malicious communications and held in custody for three hours. During that time she was identified as being vulnerable and at risk of self harm and placed under constant observation. This assessment was based on previous contact with Ms Whiteley when officers had dealt with apparent suicide attempts. Ms Whiteley did not see a healthcare professional during her time in custody.

Ms Whiteley was released from custody on 8 October. At approximately 10:30pm on 9 October South Yorkshire Police were called to Ms Whiteley’s flat due to a reported disturbance. This matter was resolved.

However at 5:15am the following morning, a concerned friend reported that Ms Whiteley had left the flat and was threatening suicide. Two officers found Ms Whiteley on a bench near her home and spoke with her until her friend arrived. The officers were convinced Ms Whiteley was no longer at risk and left her in the care of her friend.

However, at approximately 10:30am that morning Ms Whiteley was found hanged at her home by her boyfriend.

The IPCC investigation determined:

  • the two officers who spoke with Ms Whiteley when they responded to the emergency call at 5:15am had acted appropriately;
  • however the two officers had not been given information contained on South Yorkshire Police’s systems about the previous incidents involving Ms Whiteley and her history of attempted self harm;
  • The inspector and sergeant responsible for Ms Whiteley’s custody on 8 October did not follow South Yorkshire Police’s protocols and should have arranged for a healthcare professional to assess her.
  • Officers who attended previous incidents in which Ms Whiteley was making apparent attempts to self-harm could have considered the use of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act which allows a person to be detained and assessed for their own safety.

As a result of these findings

  • the IPCC has recommended that South Yorkshire Police call handlers ensure officers attending incidents have as much information as possible available to assist them;
  • the Inspector and sergeant who were responsible for Ms Whiteley’s custody have been given words of advice;
  • the IPCC has recommended that custody staff are reminded about South Yorkshire Police’s policies in relation to access to healthcare professionals for detainees;
  • the IPCC has recommended that more guidance is given to officers and staff about dealing with people with mental health issues.

Nicholas Long , IPCC Commissioner for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “This was a tragic case. It is clear from our investigation that Ms Whiteley had a number of issues in her life and had spiralled into depression.

“The officers who dealt with her on several occasions leading up to her death were placed in a difficult situation. Police officers are not healthcare professionals and they had to make judgement calls with regard to each situation they encountered.

“In hindsight, it is almost certainly the case that opportunities for intervention were missed which might have led to Ms Whiteley receiving medical assistance.  However, it is obvious that Ms Whiteley’s thoughts of self harm had escalated in the months prior to her death and it can never be said whether such intervention would have changed or stopped the tragic course of events.”

The inquest into Ms Whiteley’s death returned a verdict of suicide today.

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Notes for editors:

The IPCC has overall responsibility for the police complaints system. Since April 2006 it has taken on responsibility for similar, serious complaints against HM Revenue and Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency in England and Wales. The IPCC’s jurisdiction was extended in 2008 to cover UK Border Agency staff exercising police-like powers.

The IPCC has the task of increasing public confidence in the complaint systems and aims to make investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair.

The 15 Commissioners who run the IPCC guarantee its independence and by law can never have served as police officers. No Commissioner has worked for HM Revenue and Customs. They are supported by more than 100 independent IPCC investigators plus casework managers and other specialists.

Since April 1 2004 the IPCC has used its powers to begin 264 independent and 663 managed investigations into the most serious complaints against the police and other agencies. It has set new standards for police forces to improve the way the public's complaints are handled. The Commission also handles appeals by the public about the way their complaint was dealt with by the local force.

The IPCC is committed to getting closer to the communities it serves. Its Commissioners and staff are based in IPCC regional offices in Cardiff, Coalville, London and Sale plus a sub office in Wakefield.

The IPCC web site is constantly updated at www.ipcc.gov.uk or members of the public can contact the IPCC on 08453 002 002.

Media contact:

Ian Christon, IPCC Regional Communications Officer (North Region) Tel 0161 246 8582 Journalists with urgent enquiries outside normal office hours should contact the on-call press officer on 07717 851157