Ashely Crews fell to his death in front of police officers who were about to arrest him on suspicion of possessing child sex abuse images. The incident occurred at Roach Court tower block in Manchester, prompting a new coroner’s report. The report highlighted that handcuffs were not applied by the attending officers, allowing Crews to walk to his bedroom before jumping out the window. The Greater Manchester Police confirmed that there was no local policy regarding the use of handcuffs when executing an arrest warrant, an issue raised by the coroner.
The Coroner’s report, in accordance with the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, issued a ‘prevention of future deaths’ report to relevant organizations, including GMP and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The report identified concerns about the lack of policies and procedures regarding the use of handcuffs during arrests. The IOPC stated that their investigations were ongoing and that they would consider organizational and national learning recommendations. The investigation revealed that there was no national policy on the use of handcuffs during arrests. The report emphasized the need for action to be taken in order to prevent future deaths similar to Crews’ tragic incident.
The incident raised questions about police procedures and policies when executing arrest warrants. The lack of a local policy for the use of handcuffs was identified as a contributing factor to Crews’ death. Coronor Zak Golombeck’s report highlighted the need for improved protocols and training to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The report was sent to Greater Manchester Police, the College of Policing, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct for further review and action. The tragic incident underscored the importance of clear guidelines and training for law enforcement officers.
The inquest into Crews’ death was opened on March 12, but a final hearing has not yet taken place. The IOPC confirmed that the College of Policing sets national policy, indicating a potential need for standardization across police forces. The investigation into the incident continued to progress, with a focus on identifying areas for improvement and recommendations. All three organizations involved, including GMP, IOPC, and the College of Policing, were required to respond to the report within 56 days, signaling a commitment to addressing the issues raised by Crews’ tragic fall.
The tragic death of Ashely Crews highlighted the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in executing arrest warrants. The incident prompted calls for improved procedures and policies to prevent similar incidents in the future. The coroner’s report emphasized the importance of clear guidelines for officers on how to handle sensitive situations, such as executing arrest warrants in cases involving suspected criminal activity. The review of existing policies and training programs was identified as a key step in preventing future deaths and ensuring the safety of both suspects and officers during law enforcement operations.
The circumstances surrounding Crews’ death served as a reminder of the risks and consequences associated with law enforcement activities. The lack of a local policy on handcuff use highlighted potential gaps in training and procedures that need to be addressed by police departments. The report’s recommendations called for a comprehensive review of existing protocols and the development of standardized guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved in police operations. The response from the relevant organizations involved in the incident will be crucial in implementing changes and preventing future tragedies similar to Crews’ untimely death.
