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Can The Police Be Blamed For The Death Of Persons In Detention?

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anotheoldgit | 13:24 Thu 23rd Jul 2015 | News
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http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/23/deaths-in-custody-highest-level-five-years-independent-review

It has been announced that 17 people have died in or following detention by police in 2014-15.

Then why has the Guardian chosen to highlight only two deaths which happened outside these dates?

One Sean Rigg who died of a heart attack at Brixton police station, London, in 2008 after being arrested on suspicion of attacking passers by and officers, and the other Olaseni Lewis who died while being restrained by police officers, In August 2010.

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Not unless the police caused the death.
Question Author
But to be fair it is not only the Guardian.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-19353403
It could be that the later deaths in this report are still being investigated, hence not naming them in the article.
Question Author
It would seem that this is the type of thing that happens in America.

/// Although a medical examiner ruled her death was a suicide, officials have since said the case - like all deaths in police custody- would be investigated as a murder. ///

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article10409137.ece/alternates/w460/protesters.jpg

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sandra-bland-woman-found-dead-in-cell-told-guard-she-had-attempted-suicide-but-did-not-say-she-was-depressed-sheriff-says-10409130.html
Erm so the Guardian only giving two people publicity means that the police are not responsible for deaths in custody ?

Certainly wins howling-non-sequitur-of the-day award !

Yes if they have taken away your liberty for whatever reason then they are responsible for the punters' safety


and yes if you are restraining someone ( esp prone) then you should be aware that they may not be able to breathe - esp if they gasp 'I cannot breathe' and if they say that and then STOP saying that - you should be aware that a possible cause ( which will cause trouble if it turns out to be true ) is that they have stopped complaining because they have stopped breathing

isnt there a video out there of a custody officer mimicking the man's death rattle by oinking ?
// It would seem that this is the type of thing that happens in America. //

O that's OK then - I thought we were out on a limb....
It is only possible to blame anyone for an unexplained death if there has been a thorough independent investigation and proper binding conclusions have been reached.
no wonder the police dont get blamed for much then ....
Can The Police Be Blamed For The Death Of Persons In Detention?

Not in every case, it depends on the circumstances in each individual case. They do have a duty of care for the people who are in their establishments.

Then why has the Guardian chosen to highlight only two deaths which happened outside these dates?

// In April, the Guardian revealed that the home secretary had held several meetings with the families of two men who died in custody – Sean Rigg and Olaseni Lewis – and wrote to them to say how moved she was by their suffering, which was made worse by the failings of the criminal justice system. Rigg and Lewis died after restraint by officers in 2008 and 2010 respectively. //

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/apr/19/theresa-may-admits-justice-system-fails-families-deaths-police-custody-sean-rigg-olaseni-lewis
I believe that the GUARDIAN is simply highlighting the increase in the number of deaths of persons whilst in custody. There is no question posed regarding who was responsible for the deaths and I feel that is should not be a natural assumption that the police were 'guilty'. Each incident must be investigated, and regardless of our opinions (only know what we read) we have to accept the findings.
Andy-Hughes....//It is only possible to blame anyone for an unexplained death if there has been a thorough independent investigation and proper binding conclusions have been reached.//
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION?? Would that be the police investigating the police, the authorities investigating the authorities?

In years gone bye, I have been seriously assaulted by the police while in custody (including having to have my head stitched up after having plod kick me in it while restrained and in handcuffs and deliberately squeezing handcuffs tighter after complaining that they were hurting...my hand looked like a balloon for weeks after) Not to mention having them lie under oath in court.

Sure, people can die while in custody (with no suspicious circumstances) but I wouldnt believe a word the police say about such events.

Just my 2 cents worth.
They were not bad ... just mad

The way Thingey has said "right that's it, enough is too many - the way forward is another Royal Commission or whatever " - I wonder if a crazy relation of hers went into the nick instead of a psychiatric hospital which everyone knows is closed not only at week ends but also during week days as well, and came out minus a few teeth

peter.... ive said it b4, UR, mad!
Ur posts are meaningless.

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