Leon’s Law ~ Police Should Wear Body Cameras

By Dave Eden – The Community Pres Group -

Following the death of Leon Briggs in police custody his family and supporters call for all police to wear body cameras

On the 4th November 2013, Bedfordshire Police had occasion to detain 39 year-old, father of 2, Leon Briggs. His detention was, ‘apparently’ necessary under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983. Under the act, police are empowered to remove an individual from a public place and take them to a “place of safety”, either for their own protection or for the protection of others, so that their immediate needs can be properly assessed.

Whilst a police station is a recognised “place of safety” current guidance states it should only be an option in “exceptional circumstances” and designated “places of safety” should be available in appropriate settings, usually in hospitals.

Currently an “independent!” investigation is being conducted into the circumstances of Leon’s death in police custody and 5 police service employees have been suspended from duty.

As a result of Leon’s tragic death a campaign group “Justice for Leon” has been established and a number of public meetings held. One of the prominent issues of the campaign centres on the historically provable and consistently inaccurate eyewitness testimony given by police officers. In short Leon’s law proposes that all police officers should be equipped with body worn cameras, which must be activated when dealing with members of the public.

http://www.justicenow.co.uk/news/38-leon-s-law-proposal

Deaths in police custody generally fall into four categories:

1. Custody          972                1990 – 2014
2. Pursuit           295                 1990 – 2014
3. RTI                  117                 1990 – 2014 (traffic accidents)
4. Shooting         54                  1990 – 2014

In total 1,479 deaths in 14 years. (Inquest.org.uk)

The ‘972’ deaths in custody are of specific concern, you have to ask; how can someone die in a designated “place of safety” and in the custody of those employed to protect them?

What’s more alarming is the allegation that since 1969 several thousand detainees have died in police custody, without a single, successful criminal prosecution of any police personnel involved in the deaths.

The subject of Leon Brigg’s death is still under investigation and hopefully it will be conducted under close public scrutiny, the police services are prolific in issuing ‘Mission Statements’, in which they claim to operate transparently and with accountability. It is now the job of every citizen to ensure that they do so.

Responsible journalism demands that our first priority must be a ‘duty of care’ towards the victim or source. It’s is our responsibility to report the facts without compromising an investigation by publishing hearsay or supposition. Such inappropriate actions have already occurred courtesy of the Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner, Olly Martins.

On Tuesday 4th February 2014, in an apparent spirit of support and solidarity Luton Borough Council made a landmark decision to allow the family of Leon Briggs and fellow advocates of ‘Leon’s Law’ to assemble and host a meeting in the main council chambers.

A keynote speech was given by, Marcia Rigg the sister of Sean Rigg who died in police custody on 21st August 2008. His family and their supporter’s are still fighting for justice. Marcia’s speech tells all we have to know about these tragic events and what ‘MUST’ be done to bring justice for those that can no longer demand it themselves.