Police Investigations
When a major unexpected event occurs at a home there may be many authorities and bodies interested in what has happened, and what is happening, at the Home.
If warranted, the Police may start an investigation into a death or a serious incident, such as an allegation of abuse. Police investigations takes priority over other authorities, but homes may still face scrutiny from CQC, Local Authorities and the Coroner.
Such investigations can be confusing, concerning, demand a lot of provider’s time and impact the day- to-day running of a service.
Offences the police may investigate include:
- Ill treatment or wilful neglect
- Assault and sexual offences
- Gross negligence manslaughter
- Corporate manslaughter
Prosecutions for such offences can result in prison sentences; unlimited fines and an inability to work in the sector again.
It is important to understand how such investigations can impact your business but also how best to handle them if they do occur.
Ridouts can help you by:
- Understanding what rights the police have, including entry into a home and access to documentation
- Understanding your rights as a business owner and what action the police may take against the business, and individuals
- How to handle police requests to speak with staff and people involved in the care of service users at the heart of the investigation
- Police interviews and interviews under caution
- Advising in relation to a co-ordinated response to all interested stakeholders
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