Police Complaints Commission Investigates Guildford Death in Custody

Published on: 23 Oct, 2013
Updated on: 23 Oct, 2013

Jan McLean was taken to the custody suite in Guildford police station in Mary Road

A death in police custody at Guildford police station in August is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Investigators have served ‘misconduct notices’ on four Surrey police officers who had contact with Jan McLean before his death. The notices advise officers that their conduct is subject to investigation: they do not indicate that it has been decided any wrongdoing or misconduct has necessarily occurred.

Mr McLean, 34, was arrested at an address in the Boxgrove Park area, on suspicion of possession of cannabis and class A drugs with intent to supply and taken to Guildford Police Station on Monday, August 12. When the police van arrived at the station Mr McLean was visibly unwell and was taken, by ambulance, to hospital where he died on Wednesday, August 14.

Collingwood Crescent in Boxgrove Park where ... was arrested.

Collingwood Crescent in Boxgrove Park where Jan McLean was arrested.

In a statement issued today the commission stated: “The IPCC is examining the reasons behind officers attending the flat in Collingwood Crescent and the decisions taken by those officers which led them to enter the property. The investigation is also looking at contact between officers and the three people found inside the flat including the decisions made by officers.

“Investigators are probing contact between Surrey Police and Mr McLean from the point of his arrest to the subsequent transfer to hospital. The information provided to emergency services, the force’s contact with Mr McLean’s family and whether the police presence at hospital was appropriate and proportionate also forms part of the investigation.

“The investigation is looking at potential misconduct matters and IPCC investigators have served misconduct notices on three officers, all below ACPO rank [i.e. below Assistant Chief Constable], and a civilian member of staff in connection with their actions on 12 August. Interviews with the officers will take place at a later date.

Commissioner Jennifer Izekor said: “Both myself and our lead investigator have met with Mr McLean’s family and we will continue to keep them informed of developments in this investigation.

“I have assured them that we are carrying out an independent and rigorous investigation into the full circumstances surrounding his death.”

This afternoon (October 23) a police spokesperson said: “Surrey Police is continuing to fully co-operate and assist the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Jan McLean in Guildford in August this year. As the IPCC investigation is on-going it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”