Care failings of police under fire

Police have been slammed for failing to adequately care for a man with mental health problems but cleared of acting  unreasonably by allowing him to leave custody in a white forensic suit.

A report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which has been seen by Community Care, found “collective failure” in the treatment of Daryl Foster by West Midlands Police officers.

However, they did not fail in their duty of care by releasing him in the forensic suit because he had ripped his trousers to shreds.

The investigation began after Foster, who was 18 at the time and has Asperger’s syndrome, was arrested for suspected criminal damage at his home in Lye, near Stourbridge, in July 2005. After Foster tore his trousers, two officers took him another pair, but he refused to wear them.

The report said West Midlands Police now recognised there were issues about giving paper forensic suits to vulnerable people and custody sergeants had access to clothing.

A police spokesperson said the force was reviewing the findings and recommendations.

Further information
Independent Police Complaints Commission