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The new Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has taken the
final decision about complaints from the family of Mr Jay Abatan. These
complaints were originally supervised by its predecessor, the Police
Complaints Authority (PCA).
As a result of the investigation into Sussex Police carried out by
Avon and Somerset Constabulary, three Sussex Police officers - a
Superintendent, and two Detective Inspectors, (one of whom was a
Detective Sergeant at the time of Mr Abatan’s death), are to face a
misconduct tribunal for their alleged failures during the investigation
into the death of Mr Abatan in 1999.
Jay Abatan died on 29 Jan 1999, five days after being involved in an
incident outside a Brighton nightclub. Sussex Police’s
investigation into Mr Abatan’s death was first reviewed by Essex Police.
Following complaints by the Abatan family, the PCA then supervised an
inquiry led by Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
The Avon and Somerset inquiry also found that complaints against three
other officers, of ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) rank, were
unsubstantiated. However, the inquiry has identified a separate failing
attributable to one ACPO rank officer, now serving with another force.
Under the 1996 Police Act, which covers this investigation, the current
Police Authority is responsible for taking any possible disciplinary
action against officers of ACPO rank serving in that force.
In addition, three officers, two of whom are still serving with Sussex
Police, will receive ‘advice’ (an oral warning) for complaints which were
substantiated.
IPCC Commissioner Mr David Petch said: “Sussex Police will be
responsible for arranging the misconduct hearing. I understand that
members of the family will be invited to attend and could be called as
witnesses.”
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