THREE officers have been served with notices of gross misconduct following the death of a man being held in custody in Tonbridge Police Station.
Carl Maynard, of Shepway in Maidstone, had been arrested on October 13 over a domestic incident which took place two weeks earlier.
It is understood that the 29-year-old man died while having his fingerprints taken and received medical attention but could not be resuscitated.
The cause of his death remains unclear. A first post-mortem proved inconclusive and further tests will be carried out in January.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the death.
Following a recommendation by the IPCC, Kent Police agreed to update its -standard operating procedure on ‘defendant custody management’ where officers suspect a person is in urgent need of medical attention.
‘It does not indicate guilt on any person’s part’
The IPCC said the three officers had been informed that their actions and subsequent care given to Mr Maynard may have constituted gross misconduct.
IPCC Operations Manager Catherine Hall said: “I am pleased Kent Police has accepted our quick-time learning recommendation and it will look to implement it immediately.
“The serving of the notices on the three officers represents a new stage in our investigation but I would like to emphasise it does not indicate guilt on any person’s part.”
Kent Police said: “The force has been notified by the IPCC that three officers will be interviewed about the events leading up to Mr Maynard’s death but it would not be appropriate to comment further until the investigation has concluded.
“Kent Police has already accepted one recommendation made by the IPCC in relation to the incident, and has taken steps to ensure the suggested action is carried out.”
