Officers Investigated After Man Died in Police Custody
Summary
The UK's Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a gross misconduct investigation into three Devon and Cornwall Police officers following the death of Michael Carolan in police custody. The investigation will examine the circumstances leading up to his death, including arrest decisions, custody checks, and communication with his family.
What changed
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated a gross misconduct investigation concerning three Devon and Cornwall Police officers after Michael Carolan died while in their custody. The investigation will scrutinize the entire process, from the initial arrest and detention to the adequacy of searches, risk assessments, observation levels, and the medical attention provided. The IOPC is also addressing a complaint from Mr. Carolan's family regarding police communication during his detention and after his death.
This development signifies a critical juncture for the involved officers and the Devon and Cornwall Police force, potentially leading to disciplinary proceedings if breaches of professional standards are found. The IOPC's thorough review, which includes gathering accounts, reviewing CCTV, and body-worn video, aims to establish the facts surrounding Mr. Carolan's death. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial for accountability and may inform future custody protocols and training within the police service.
What to do next
- Review internal custody protocols and risk assessment procedures.
- Ensure adherence to professional standards regarding communication with detainees' families.
- Cooperate fully with any inquiries from oversight bodies like the IOPC.
Penalties
Possible breaches of police professional standards may lead to disciplinary proceedings.
Source document (simplified)
Devon and Cornwall Police officers investigated over man’s death
Published: 26 Mar 2026 News Three Devon and Cornwall Police officers are under gross misconduct investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after a man died in the custody of police.
Michael Carolan, fell ill while in custody at Torquay police station and died at 5am on 15 January having been transferred to hospital by an ambulance crew.
Mr Carolan had been reported missing by concerned family members at 9pm the previous evening and was found by officers in Paignton around two and a half hours later. The 28-year-old was arrested and taken to Torquay police station.
We received a referral from the force soon after Mr Carolan died. Our investigation will examine all the circumstances in the build-up to Mr Carolan’s death including the decision to arrest, the nature and adequacy of searches carried out on Mr Carolan, risk assessments that were completed, observation levels while in custody, and the medical attention he received. We are also looking at a complaint from Mr Carolan’s family in relation to how police communicated with them during his detention and after he died.
We have notified three police officers that they are under gross misconduct investigation for possible breaches of police professional standards regarding authority, respect and courtesy and duties and responsibilities. The notices relate to their interactions with Mr Carolan and the checks carried out on him during his detention. This will be kept under review throughout our enquiries.
IOPC Director, Derrick Campbell said: “My sympathies are with Mr Carolan’s family and friends and everyone affected by his death.
“We have met Mr Carolan’s family and explained our role and we are keeping them regularly updated as our investigation progresses. We are examining police actions in taking Mr Carolan into custody and the level of care provided to him during the period he was detained.
“We are independent of the police and it is important that we carry out an investigation to fully establish the circumstances when someone has died in police custody.”
We are gathering accounts from officers and staff involved, as well as reviewing CCTV from the custody suite and body worn video from officers who took part in Mr Carolan’s arrest and subsequent detention in custody.
The serving of gross misconduct notices does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow. Decisions on whether or not disciplinary proceedings should take place will be taken at the end of our investigation.
Tags
- Devon and Cornwall Police
- Custody and detention
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Devon and Cornwall Police officers investigated over man’s death
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