The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it is conducting a thorough investigation into the tragic death of Piotr Rak, 37, who passed away while in police custody in Swindon.
Mr Rak, also known as Peter, was apprehended by Wiltshire Police on Fleet Street, Swindon, at approximately 1:50 am on Saturday, 18th May.
He was suspected of being drunk in charge of his Audi vehicle. The police were called to the scene after a report concerning the Audi. It is understood that Mr Rak was observed getting into the stationary vehicle when officers arrived, and he subsequently failed a roadside breath test.
Mr Rak was transported to Gablecross Police Station, where custody was authorised at around 2:45 am. During his time in custody, he was placed under regular observations by the staff. However, shortly after 8 am on Sunday, 19th May, Mr Rak experienced a medical emergency. CPR was immediately administered, and an ambulance was summoned, with emergency helicopter medics also arriving shortly thereafter. Tragically, Mr Rak was pronounced dead at the police station at 9 am.
Upon notification by Wiltshire Police on Sunday morning, IOPC investigators were dispatched to the police station to commence their enquiries. The investigation will scrutinise the circumstances of Mr Rak’s arrest, the decisions, and actions taken during his detention, and whether police officers and staff adhered to local and national policies and procedures.
A post-mortem examination was conducted on Monday, with additional tests currently underway. The coroner has been informed of the incident.
IOPC regional director Derrick Campbell extended his condolences to Mr Rak’s family and friends, stating, “I send my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Rak for their sad loss. We have now met Mr Rak’s family and explained our role and how our investigation will progress. We will be examining police actions in taking Mr Rak into custody and the level of care provided to him over the around 30-hour 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.”
The IOPC has begun collecting accounts from the officers and staff involved and will review CCTV footage from the custody suite as well as body-worn video from the officers present during Mr Rak’s arrest.
