The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an incident where a young detainee in Police custody self-harmed three times over two days.
The youth had threatened to self-harm when arrested, and in such circumstances, Police policy states they should be constantly monitored. However, the custody sergeant assessed them as only requiring frequent checks while in Police custody. Subsequently, in between these checks, the detainee self-harmed. Police intervened, provided first aid and took them to hospital.
The investigation found the young person was incorrectly assessed when they were first taken into custody. Police addressed this breach in policy by debriefing the officers concerned.
While in hospital, the detainee attempted further self-harm, but this was prevented immediately as they were being constantly monitored by an officer. Police found the officer’s response and reporting on this incident was appropriate.
After being assessed and released from hospital (having suffered no injuries), the detainee was transported to Court where they were constantly monitored by a non-Police official without notifying Police. This person briefly walked away from the cell, during which time the detainee self-harmed. An officer saw the detainee’s actions on the custody cameras, intervened and took them to hospital for a further assessment.
Police consider thorough communication between Police staff and the official could have prevented this incident and have identified further learnings which have been circulated to relevant staff.
The Authority is satisfied with how Police investigated this incident, and with the findings Police reached.
IPCA: 22-15737