Another black male dies following arrest and restraint by police

Rashan Charles, 20, died following his arrest and restraint by a Metropolitan Police Officer on the 22^ndJuly 2017.

Rashan was restrained by police and swallowed a plastic wrap containing paracetamol and caffeine. Whilst the officer claims that he was trying to save Rashan's life, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) are examining the restraint techniques used by the police officer and if they were reasonable in the circumstances. The Commission will also consider what part the plastic wrapping, rather than the contents played in his death.

The Commission have recommended that the officer be suspended however the Metropolitan Police have refused to do so.

Unfortunately, shortly before Rashan's death, another black man, Edson Da Costa died after being stopped by police officers.

Official figures for 2016/2017 show that fourteen people have died in or following police custody and all fourteen are being independently investigated by the IPCC. 

The arrest and detention of a person by the Police is a serious step, as it deprives a person of their liberty and as shown, in some cases, their lives.

It is for these reasons that the police powers and responsibilities are regulated by statue and case law, and should these powers be abused, it is every citizen's right to challenge the actions of the police and to hold them accountable.

The inquest into Rashan's death is due to be held in June 2018.

[1] <https://www.ipcc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/research_stats/Deaths_Report_1617.pdf?utm_content=buffer0afbe&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer>accessed 29^th September 2017.

[2] This figure does not include suicides.