Bedfordshire Police records two deaths following police contact last year

New figures reveal that two people died following contact with police in Bedfordshire last year.

Bedfordshire Police recorded one death believed to be suicide following release and one other death following contact with the force. Other deaths are subject to an independent investigation.

They include cases where a missing person or someone with mental health or medical concern has had police contact. They also cover domestic incidents where there has been threat or violence.

Figures from the Independent Office for Police Conduct for 2010-11 to 2019-20 show that 23 deaths were recorded following contact with Bedfordshire Police across the decade.

They included:

- 10 apparent suicides following release from police custody. These are deaths recorded by the force that occurred within two days of release - or in some cases longer, where the time in custody may be relevant.

- three road traffic fatalities following police pursuits or police vehicles responding to emergency calls.

- one fatal shooting, where police fired the shot.

- two deaths during or following custody. The figure includes fatal injuries or medical problems during detention and cases where the person was intoxicated when arrested or became unwell at the scene.

- seven deaths following police contact which were subject to an independent investigation. In 2014-15, the Home Office announced there should be more independent investigations. This had a direct impact on the number of deaths recorded.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharn Basra said: "Our officers and staff deal with thousands of people each year – often when they are at the lowest point in their lives, or when they are already vulnerable.

"Therefore the health and safety of those in our care is paramount and we work hard to ensure our officers and staff are continuously trained to spot the signs around mental health and vulnerability so we can try to mitigate those risks and work with partners to give people the help they need to prevent them from harm.

“Any death or case of serious injury following police contact is one too many, and every incident is thoroughly reviewed and mandatorily referred to the IOPC for independent investigation.

"We take all the learnings identified by the IOPC from cases nationally and welcome the role that independent oversight has in maintaining the public's trust in us and our ability to keep them safe."

Charity Rethink Mental Illness said the high number of deaths nationally of people severely affected by mental illness following contact with police is very concerning.

Across England and Wales, there were 206 deaths following police contact in 2019-20.

Will Johnstone, policy manager at Rethink Mental Illness, said: "People experiencing a crisis in their mental health are highly vulnerable and need dedicated care, so it’s in no one’s interest for the police to be plugging gaps in mental health services.

“Investment in community mental health services is crucial to reduce the number of people who reach the point of crisis before they can access meaningful mental health support."

Michael Lockwood, the IOPC director general, said: "Every death is a tragic loss for the families and loved ones involved, and can have a profound effect on others.

“Police have hundreds of thousands of interactions with the public each year.

"Where deaths do occur following contact with police, it is important we have in place robust systems of investigation and accountability, identifying learning where we can so changes can be made to reduce future risks.

“Far too often officers are left dealing with vulnerable people in mental health crisis or medical emergencies whose needs and risks have not been adequately managed.

"Police must be properly trained and equipped to recognise vulnerability and manage the risks and challenges they face.

"But if we truly want to prevent further deaths and harm, we must look beyond policing to resources in community, health, welfare and specialist services."