An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation has criticised the Metropolitan Police for major failings that contributed to the tragic death of Andrzej Kusper, aged 38, while in custody.
Mr Kusper died from a foreign body airway obstruction on September 4, 2021, at Leyton Custody Centre in East London. The inquest held at East London Coroners’ Court on January 18 revealed that he became unresponsive shortly after being taken into custody following a stop-and-search operation.
During the initial police search, officers discovered a small package containing a white substance, which led to his arrest on suspicion of possessing a class A drug. However, a subsequent search inside the custody van failed to detect a critical concealed item in Mr Kusper’s mouth. The hidden item was only found after arrival at the custody suite, but by that time it was too late to save him.
Despite calls to the London Ambulance Service, Mr Kusper was pronounced dead just after 8 pm.
The inquest jury described both police searches as “incomplete and unsatisfactory,” noting that these failures likely contributed to the death. Monitoring of Mr Kusper during transport to custody was also deemed inadequate, representing a “missed opportunity” to identify the concealed item. Officers at the custody suite were criticised for poor leadership and communication, which compounded the errors.
The jury also acknowledged Mr Kusper’s own role in hiding the item during the van journey and refusing to disclose it at the initial search.
The post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as airway obstruction caused by a blue plastic item lodged in Mr Kusper’s windpipe.
The officer responsible for the van search will face a misconduct meeting but will not be dismissed. Instead, they will undergo a Reflective Practice Review Process (RPRP) designed to promote learning from the incident.
Additionally, two Metropolitan Police officers from the Directorate of Professional Standards were criticised for mishandling evidence. One officer damaged mobile phones by storing them alongside a water bottle, while another mishandled biological samples, compromising their analysis.
IOPC Regional Director Charmaine Arbouin said, “Our thoughts remain with Mr Kusper’s family during this difficult time. This tragic case highlights crucial lessons in thorough detainee searches and vigilant monitoring during transport.”
The independent investigation reviewed body-worn camera and CCTV footage, officer statements, and police policies to identify systemic failings behind the fatal custody incident.
Originally published by UKNIP.
