EIGHT Derbyshire police officers have declined to answer questions in an Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation into how a man died after being detained last month.
The officers who were at the scene when the car in which David Stokes was travelling was stopped were asked to attend interviews to help the IPCC's investigation into his death.
Early information provided by police stated that Mr Stokes, 31, had become unwell while being taken to Chesterfield police station in a police van. He was taken to hospital where he later died.
In the hours after Mr Stokes's death, the officers declined to give witness accounts to the IPCC, citing fatigue and legal advice they had received.
The IPCC required the officers to attend witness interviews under new powers granted earlier this year. The officers attended but chose not to answer questions, opting instead to submit written statements afterwards.
James Dipple-Johnstone, IPCC commissioner for Derbyshire, said: "It is disappointing that officers who are immediate witnesses to an incident in which a man died do not answer directly the questions asked of them by the independent body tasked with investigating the death, relying instead on prepared statements later.
"This reluctance to assist fully an independent inquiry by providing best evidence has the potential to undermine public confidence in the police and delays answers for the family who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
"Our investigation continues and is making progress. I would like to thank those members of the public and other police officers who have assisted us so far."
A number of independent witnesses to the police operation near Chesterfield have been spoken to by IPCC investigators and photographs and CCTV footage obtained.
The police van in which Mr Stokes travelled has also been examined.
The IPCC is still keen to hear from anyone who may have filmed or taken photos of the police operation, which was carried out near the junction of Calow Lane, Cock Alley and Hallflash Lane near the A617 at about 12.40pm on Friday, April 19.
The cause of Mr Stokes' death has not yet been established. The results of further tests and a full post mortem result are awaited.
Early reports suggest there were no external injuries that could have contributed to Mr Stokes's death.
Alan Goodwin, Deputy Chief Constable, said: "Derbyshire Constabulary remains committed to assisting the Independent Police Complaints Commission in its investigation into the death of Mr Stokes.
"This is an ongoing investigation and it would be inappropriate for the force to comment further."
The IPCC is urging anyone with information to call 0800 096 9070 or to e-mail stokes@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk.
Officers' federation blames IPCC for 'ill-thought-out decisions'The chairman of Derbyshire Police Federation has slammed the IPCC's announcement as "regrettable" and says it "will leave people asking questions of the process".
Mark Pickard, whose organisation looks after the welfare of thousands of county officers, said: "Let me be very clear, all officers involved have been willing to openly and honestly help in this inquiry from the outset, in order that the family of Mr Stokes can receive answers at the earliest opportunity.
"The facts are that the incident occurred on Friday, April 19, and, as is set out in tried and trusted procedures, officers who have been through a traumatic experience should not give statements for two to three days after the incident. This is for the good of the inquiry and individuals concerned.
"Our solicitor contacted the IPCC a few days after the incident, stating the IPCC could have the officers' statements within the next few days. However, the IPCC decided the process had now started and the eight officers would be required to travel to Manchester to be asked questions on tape and then the investigators would write the statement. The officers are highly trained and experienced and felt they alone should write their own statement. Based on legal advice, the officers listened to the questions and wrote their statements covering the areas raised.
"This inquiry has not been held up by the officers but by the IPCC processes and bureaucracy. The IPCC commissioner should know that the best evidence he talks about could have been obtained voluntarily from the officers within days of the incident.
Instead, the process of collating statements from witnesses has gone on longer than it should have due to ill-thought-out decisions, leaving Mr Stokes' family waiting for answers.
"I have total confidence in the actions and professionalism of the officers involved in this whole incident."
