Gross misconduct proceedings launched over police treatment of man who died in West Midlands
Three constables and a police community support officer are set to face gross misconduct proceedings over their treatment of a man who died in Coventry.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is set to launch proceedings into the treatment of a man who was found unwell at Coventry Central Library.
West Midlands Police officers were called to the library on December 8, 2022, where they found Jerome Cowan, aged 63, slumped in a toilet cubicle. He was said to be intoxicated and unable to stand or stay awake.
Officers removed him from the cubicle and placed him on the floor; however, they noticed a short time later that he did not appear to be breathing.
An ambulance took him to hospital; however, he died soon after arriving.
A two-week inquest in Coventry, which finished on Monday (February 16) concluded that Mr Cowan's death was alcohol- and drug-related, and in a narrative finding, a jury said that they 'do not believe' that Mr Cowan had a realistic chance of survival.
However, it was said that there were 'missed opportunities' in the level of care provided, which may have contributed to his death.
The IOPC's investigation began in March 2023, following a conduct referral from West Midlands Police, who carried out a review of body-worn footage in connection with another matter, and raised concerns about the care and treatment provided to Mr Cowan.
The IOPC looked into whether the actions and decisions of officers followed national and local policy, including in relation to the provision of first aid; whether Mr Cowan was treated with respect and dignity; and the fairness and impartiality shown to him, given he was homeless and alcohol dependent.
On concluding the investigation in May last year, the IOPC found a gross misconduct case to answer for a PCSO and three constables, one of whom is now serving with Warwickshire Police.
IOPC director Emily Barry said: "A sad feature of this case is that Mr Cowan had no known next of kin, but our sympathies go out to everyone affected by his death, particularly in such a distressing set of circumstances.
"Our inquiries looked at the level of care he received and found potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour for alleged failures, amongst others, to provide first aid, treat Mr Cowan in a dignified and respectful manner, and challenge and report colleagues’ behaviour.
"It will now be for West Midlands Police to organise proceedings for the officers, which will consider the evidence we gathered."
The IOPC said that the officers were interviewed under criminal caution by the IOPC; however, at the end of its investigation, it decided not to send a file of evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service to consider any charges against them.
