IPCC to investigate West Midlands Police custody near miss

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is managing an investigation in to the actions of West Midlands Police relating to the care given to a vulnerable person whilst in custody.

On 18 April, following his arrest for an explosives offence (after threatening to blow himself up with a homemade device), a 44-year-old man from the Sparkbrook area of Birmingham was detained in custody for two days for assessment and interview.  During this time on two occasions he attempted to self harm.  

This matter was referred to the IPCC by West Midlands Police and IPCC Commissioner Len Jackson has determined that a managed investigation should be undertaken.  He commented: “It was known to officers that this man was a vulnerable person and as such our investigation is examining how West Midlands Police dealt with this man whilst in their care.”

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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 14 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.