Alarm at College of Policing’s ‘protection after police contact deaths’ policy

image credit: Duda Images from www.dudamobile.com

source: Naphtali & Associates | published: 14 September 2020

Families of custody death victims and campaign groups have raised serious concerns about the College of Policing’s recent announcement of a new ‘Protection after police contact deaths’ policy in conjunction with the Police Federation.

In a statement on the Police Federation website they said; “Officers involved in deaths or serious injuries will be given protection in College of Policing policy – akin to colleagues who carry firearms. Today (July 6) the College has launched a Death or Serious Injury Authorised Professional Practice (DSI APP) policy.”

Police Federation of England and Wales’ Post Incident Procedure Lead Steve Hartshorn, said; “There has been a deaths or serious injury policy in place for firearms for many years which has been tested through the courts and has set a standard that protects officers and assists with the provision of best evidence.

“I am pleased to say this new policy from the College of Policing will afford those same protections to all our officers and staff.”

Some of what families and campaign groups have said:

Debbie Whelan (Justice for Cameron Whelan)
“Slipped that one in under the radar didn’t they, it’s a shame they don’t afford the same to the families of the people they kill.”

Lisa Cole (Justice For Marc Cole & Adrian McDonald)
“Absolutely vile. Look at the wording, When they should be in prison they get ‘welfare support packages’ instead. It absolutely boils my blood! You’ve got a coppers wife pushing for Harper’s law when those kids who killed him are already in prison, as if police are somehow more deserving of life than our children. I can’t even read it properly I’m so angry!”

Tippa Naphtali (4WardEverUK & The Friends of Mikey Powell)
“Yes. Saw a summary of this recently. It requires a coordinated and unified response which I’m investigating over coming weeks. A disgrace!!! Fly’s in the face of the Dame Elish Angiolini’s report a few years back.”

Tippa Naphtali (representing 4WardEverUK, The National memorial Fund and The United Families & Friends Campaign) has formally approached the charity INQUEST to clarify what actions can be taken to respond to this unsavoury development.

Further news to follow!

Birmingham pub bombings memorial
by Family Fund Team • 25 October 2026
The 21st November 2026 marks the 52nd anniversary of the Birmingham pub bombings at the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town on New Street on the evening of 21 November 1974.
Family of Jean Charles De Menezes, image by Terrence Bunch
by Family Fund Team • 25 October 2026
Thousands of lessons emerge from inquests and investigations every year, but they’re often buried, often forgotten, dismissed, or simply not implemented as they should be.
Lonely person i dark room
by Family Fund Team • 25 October 2026
Community Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to talk through difficult experiences or life situations. Free short-term counselling for adults aged 18 and over in Birmingham or Solihull.
Families Matter, Caring Matters event flyer
by Family Fund Team • 23 October 2026
This FREE 'family-only' event consists of a tasty meal and beverages, pamper zones, arts & wellbeing stalls, resident DJ and local performing artists; willtake place on Sunday, 22 November 2023.
Birmingham Pub Bombings - credit www.wikipedia.org
by Family Fund Team • 2 September 2026
Families of the 21 victims murdered in the Birmingham Pub Bombings have accused the Government of a major snub over a national memorial day for victims of the worst UK terrorist atrocities.
UK Cash
by Family Fund Team • 1 September 2026
First Stop Web Design (a sister enterprise of Naphtali & Associates) has announced its intention to donate up to 10% of all new design projects to the National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund.
Show More