Lambeth deaths in custody

88/01
26 November 2001

Deaths in custody are always matters of grave concern and the Metropolitan Police Authority offers heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the men who have died.

It is hoped that the Police Complaints Authority’s investigations are both swift and thorough. However, issues have arisen from each tragic incident that will be addressed immediately. Speaking after the specially convened meeting at Brixton Police Station last night, Peter Herbert, Deputy Chair of the MPA said:

“We have expressed strong recommendations to the Metropolitan Police Service to consider the suspension of two officers, about whom there are concerns, relating to the inquiries as regards what occurred following the Dalyell Road, SW9 incident on 22 November 2001.

“This is to ensure community confidence and maintain the integrity of the Police Complaints Authority’s investigation and ultimately the inquest process. We anticipate a decision from the Met in relation to these suspensions in the next few days.”

Speaking of the incident that occurred in Streatham on 25 November 2001 in Streatham Hill, Peter Herbert continued:

“We have also expressed serious concerns about the death of the young man who fell from the third floor of a building in Streatham. Because of the heightened tension in the Borough we have received an undertaking from the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office that they will defer such inquiries and removals for a period of seven days.

“The MPA welcomes this deferment as being entirely appropriate and a recognition of the serious community concerns about fatalities of this kind.

“Following discussions it was also agreed that there needs to be an urgent review of the protocol whereby the Met liaise with and support the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office in assisting with such enquires about possible removals. The reason for the review is that serious concerns have arisen, in particular relating to the type of risk assessment by both the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and by police, prior to such operations.

“We endorse the investigation into what has happened, which will be conducted as a priority by both the PCA and the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office.

“The MPA is extremely sensitive of the need to balance priorities to ensure the safety of Londoners. There is obviously a need to maintain an immigration policy but that must not override the basic requirement to ensure good police practice.”

The MPA had already met with senior management in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate about concerns over removal policy. This incident will give added impetus to these discussions.

The meeting at Brixton Police Station last night was also attended by MPA link Member for Lambeth Nicholas Long, representatives from the Mayor’s office Lee Jasper and Claudia Webb, and representatives from Lambeth’s Community and Police Consultative Group.

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