Investigation and inquest
On 09/01/2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of Levi Craig Don Pettit, aged 19 on 23rd December 2019. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 30th June 2021. The conclusion of the inquest was that Levi died as a result of Suicide, the medical cause of death being:
1a. Asphyxia
1b. Hanging
1c.
2.
Circumstances of the death
1.A 999 report was received on 8th December 2019 by Lincolnshire police that Levi had suicidal ideations
2.PC ████████ located Levi ,spoke to him and made sure he was safe before departure referring him to agencies that could assist relying upon Levi to take the initiative.
3.PC ████████ did not refer by PNN, complete a mental health proforma or refer the matter to anyone else in authority
4.PC ████████ readily accepted he thought Levi would follow up on his referrals and used his discretion on the night.
5.The family disagreed on medical grounds.
6.4 days later Levi committed suicide.
Coroner’s concerns
(I) PC ████████ was not aware of the Lincolnshire Police Concern for Welfare Policy Document PD238
(II) PC ████████ admitted he used his discretion in dealing with the deceased and did not make a PNN ,complete a mental welfare proforma report, or reported the incident to any other officer on the night
(III) DS ████████ when asked did not know what happened to the mental health proforma when completed
(IV) Procedures appear to be in place to deal with such incidents. Please explain what training your officers receive to deal with such circumstances and are you satisfied your officers are sufficiently aware of the said policy document and act upon it.