The Independent Investigations office has concluded its investigation into the death of a man who had been in custody in Victoria Police cells last month.
After reviewing video sources, medical information, and a statement from an independent civilian witness, the IIO’s Chief Civilian Director has determined police actions or inactions played no role in the death.
The case involves a man allegedly causing a disturbance in the 600-block of Douglas Street in the early morning hours of Nov. 20th.
He was arrested and assessed by paramedics, who cleared him, then he was taken to cells.
With 2 hours officers noticed the man appeared to be unwell and had fallen off his bed and called paramedics again.
They took him to hospital where he was found to be suffering from pre-existing medical conditions, but he had no injuries as a result of falling from his bed.
As a result of his long-term health conditions the man died the next day.
The I-I-O says the speed of the officers’ response to the man’s apparent distress, and decision to call EHS immediately, were appropriate and commendable under the circumstances, although it is unfortunate that those timely actions were unable to prevent the man’s death.