Cumbria Police chiefs address five deaths in custody and contact

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 05:59 · Archive

Police leaders have addressed questions about five deaths following contact with or time in custody of Cumbria Constabulary. Assistant Chief Constable Dave Stalker addressed the matter at a Public Accountability Panel meeting on 19 October, following a question submitted in writing by a member of the public asking what changes had been made at Cumbria Police as a result of the deaths and how improvements would be measured.

The issue arose after an inquest hearing in which Assistant Coroner for Cumbria Robert Cohen issued a warning about suicide under police investigation and the potential failings of support and prevention procedures set by Government. Following that hearing, the coroner issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Order.

Mr Stalker said that deaths and serious injuries are assessed on a day-to-day basis through governance meetings and the Professional Standards Department. He explained that the Prevention of Future Deaths Order was not issued against the Chief Constable or the constabulary itself, but related to other agencies that had been involved with the specified individuals.

According to Mr Stalker, the coroner found that all agencies involved had followed proper procedures and carried out necessary risk assessments. However, the coroner questioned whether the systems in place are adequate to prevent such deaths in future.

How it is being reported

• Chiefs address question after five deaths following contact with police forcePolice leaders have addressed questions about the death of five people, following contact with, or time in the custody of, Cumbria Constabulary.Whitehaven News · 21 Oct, 05:00
• Chiefs address question after five deaths following contact with police forcePolice leaders have addressed questions about the death of five people, following contact with, or time in the custody of, Cumbria Constabulary.NW Evening Mail · 21 Oct, 05:00
• Chiefs address question after five deaths following contact with police forcePolice leaders have addressed questions about the death of five people, following contact with, or time in the custody of, Cumbria Constabulary.News & Star · 21 Oct, 05:00
• Chiefs address question after five deaths following contact with police forcePolice leaders have addressed questions about the death of five people, following contact with, or time in the custody of, Cumbria Constabulary.Westmorland Gazette · 21 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Cumbria Constabulary · Dave Stalker · Robert Cohen · Cumbria

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