Mark Oliver George Mallinson · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 18th December 2018 an investigation into the death of Mark Oliver George Mallinson, aged 30, was opened. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 4th February 2020. The conclusion of the inquest was suicide.

On the evening of the 2nd December 2018 it was alleged that Mark Mallinson had breached the terms of a restraining order to which he was subject. Sussex Police initially sought to arrest Mark Mallinson.

Over the following 4–5 hours Mark Mallinson made numerous threats to take his own life. As soon as Sussex Police were made aware of these threats Mark Mallinson was designated as a high risk missing person and dealt with accordingly.

Mark Mallinson had telephone contact with a number of police officers during this period as well as significant telephone contact with family members whilst police officers were present. At some time between 03.20am and 04.24am on the 3rd December 2018 Mark Mallinson committed suicide.

████████ provided a statement about the training given to police officers in the area of suicide intervention. ████████ stated that he had created a training package for new recruits. This training is designed to give first responders pointers to save lives and to buy time.

I received further information during the course of the inquest that most new recruits of Sussex Police in the last 12-18 months had received the training. However this training is not being rolled out to the remainder of the police force. The concern I have is that training specifically designed to save lives is not being provided to all front line staff.