Tippa Naphtali

Kingsley Burrell police officers won’t be charged

Kingsley Burrellsource: The Voice Online
published: 1 July 2014

Four police officers at the centre of a probe into the death of father-of-two Kingsley Burrell will not be prosecuted.

Burrell, a 29-year-old trainee security guard, died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, four days after being arrested by police on March 27, 2011.

His family said he dialled 999 for help because he felt he was being intimidated by a group of men while out walking with his five-year-old son. However, officers detained him under the Mental Health Act. He was later admitted to the Mary Seacole Mental Health Unit before being transferred to the Queen Elizabeth.

It took more than four months to suspend the officers involved, sparking outrage from Burrell’s family.

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West Midlands PCC Bob Jones dies aged 59

Bob Jones - West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner source: BBC News
published: 1 July 2014

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones has died “in his sleep” aged 59. Mr Jones, from Wolverhampton, was elected to the role as a Labour candidate in November 2012.

He courted controversy when he called for PCCs to be scrapped, but also lent his support to several campaigns while occupying the role.

His deputy Yvonne Mosquito confirmed he died on Tuesday morning, describing his death as a “huge loss” to policing. Bob was a dear friend and a deeply committed public servant. All our thoughts are with Bob’s wife Sarah and his family at this sad time,” she said.

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Tippa Naphtali

Police admit: “We failed Lloyd Butler”

WM Police HQ
West Midlands Police HQ

source: Birmingham Mail 
published: 24 June 2014

Lloyd Butler was failed by police officers, the West Midlands force admitted. Responding to the inquest verdict and the IPCC report, assistant chief constable Gary Cann admitted those involved in his care “fell below the required standards”.

He said: “The jury at Birmingham Coroner’s Court has found officers failed to carry out an adequate risk assessment when arresting Mr Butler, placing him in custody instead of taking him to hospital.

“They also found that, once in custody, proper checks were not adequately carried out and visits were not maintained on schedule.

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