PSNI has no disability access vehicles to allow transport of wheelchair users into custody, investigation into Co Down arrest complaints finds
The PSNI has no disability access vehicles to allow officers to transport wheelchair users into custody, a Police Ombudsman Office’s investigation has found.
Following the probe, the PSNI accepted a recommendation to explore the procurement of a wheelchair-friendly vehicle for each district, or establish if a suitable ramp could be obtained and fitted to a cell van within each district.
The investigation was in response to a complaint that police failed to provide a vehicle suitable for a wheelchair user to be taken into custody.
The complainant also made six other allegations about police conduct during an incident at his home in Co Down in December 2024.
Police Ombudsman investigators examined all seven allegations, which included failure to caution, that injury was caused whilst being assisted into a police vehicle, that officers mocked the complainant, that an officer watched while he changed, that medication was not given while in custody and that officers failed to consider disability, namely being in a wheelchair, by looking down when speaking.
Body Worn Video (BWV) footage was examined by investigators, and this confirmed that a caution was given during arrest, that the complainant manoeuvred himself into a police vehicle unassisted after being carried to it by officers, and that no injury occurred.
The investigation found no evidence officers had mocked the complainant or were insensitive in relation to his disability. They also established that BWV was deactivated while he was changing. However, a police officer was present outside of the room as the complainant was under arrest at the time.
The Ombudsman investigation further found that as police officers are not permitted to administer medication, there was no breach in the Code of Ethics in relation to the allegation that medication was not given to the complainant.
Records showed that following a healthcare practitioner examination, the complainant was deemed unfit for detention as his physical needs could not be met in custody. Arrangements were then made to return him home.
Although no evidence was found of misconduct by individual officers, the investigation revealed shortcomings in the provision of suitable facilities and transport for wheelchair users.
As a result, the Police Ombudsman made a policy recommendation that the PSNI ensure that each district should provide wheelchair access vehicles to facilitate safe and dignified transport.
Senior Investigations Officer, Martin McCaffery, said: “This recommendation reflects the Ombudsman’s view that disability access must be improved to protect the rights and dignity of disabled individuals.”