Self-harm attempted at Auckland custody unit

14 March 2019

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police generally complied with policy when a man was taken into custody and while there attempted to harm himself in December 2017.

The man was arrested on 24 December 2017 and taken to the Auckland Custody Unit. There, he became distressed when told he would be held in custody over Christmas. The Authority is satisfied that the man was legally arrested and detained. Custody staff evaluated the man's wellbeing and monitored him properly. When the man's attempt to harm himself was discovered, he was taken to hospital by ambulance. He returned to the custody unit later the same day.

Judge Colin Doherty, Authority Chair, said: "Police searched, assessed and monitored Mr X appropriately when he was brought into custody on Sunday 24 December 2017. Despite this, Mr X attempted to harm himself. When this attempt was discovered, custody staff promptly took steps to ensure Mr X had medical treatment and mental health assessment."

After the man returned to the custody unit, he was monitored more closely. However, the number of checks carried out by custody staff fell short of that required by Police policy.

Public Report

Attempted suicide at Auckland custody unit (PDF 471 KB)

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