Drunk man hit head in police custody while officers distracted by mobile phones
Last updated 20th Dec 2019
A man fell and cut his head in a police station while the two officers who had arrested him were using their mobile phones.
The Police Investigation and Review Commissioner (Pirc) concluded his fall could have been prevented if the officers had paid the man greater attention.
Police arrested the 57-year-old in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, on November 1 for being drunk and incapable.
After being given a hospital assessment, he was passed as fit to be detained in custody.
He was taken to Motherwell Police Station, where he fell off a bench and onto the floor, hitting his head and being left with a laceration above his left eye.
The report said the two officers had allowed themselves to be distracted by their personal mobile phones at the time of the fall.
Following the incident, the man was taken back to hospital where he received treatment before being later released from custody.
In the findings of its investigation, the local police inspector took "prompt action" in providing advice and guidance to the officers, as well as issuing general guidance to staff in the command area about the importance of prisoner care.
Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell said: "Our officers and staff work with commitment and professionalism day in, day out to provide a high quality policing service for the public, including those in our care.
"We accept the findings of the Pirc in relation to this incident.
"The local police inspector provided advice and guidance to the officers involved and issued general guidance to staff in his area about prisoner care."
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