We need faith in 999 calls ...a single error can be deadly
recent three-month period. Mistakes relating to the reported sexual assault of a child, domestic abuse, child neglect, and a firearms incident were among those recorded by police control rooms between November 2016 and January this year.
The vast majority – 40 of the 47 ‘notable incidents’ – were put down to human error. Four were identified as opportunities for operational learning, while only three were highlighted as examples of ‘good practice’.
The Crown Office is already considering a PIRC report into the M9 tragedy in 2015, when young mother Lamara Bell was left dying in a wrecked car by the roadside following a crash in which her partner John Yuill died.
It is also looking at a PIRC report into the death in custody of Sheku Bayoh, amid allegations of police brutality.
Some fear the force could be the subject of an unprecedented double prosecution over the Bell and Bayoh cases.
In the latest incident, neighbours said Mrs Maxwell, who had health issues, received regular visits at her home in Ruchazie, Glasgow, from staff working for care provider Cordia.
A friend, Frances Turnbull, 57, recalled how, at around 11pm on February 24, there was ‘a series of bangs’ from Mrs Maxwell’s house. She added: ‘I looked out and it was the police. An ambulance arrived with breathing apparatus but the paramedics came straight back out again because she was dead. She was a petite and frail woman who lived alone. I only saw her the day before and she looked fine.’
Another neighbour said: ‘She was a lovely lady. The authorities knew she wasn’t well. They should have reached her quicker.’
A spokesman for Cordia said: ‘Cordia has robust procedures in place when we are unable to gain access to a service user’s home. These were followed in this case.’
Last night, politicians and relatives affected by past incidents involving Police Scotland voiced fears that the force’s stretched call centre resources could lead to further tragedy.
In October last year, Karen Insch’s 72-year-old father Albert was found dead at his home in Inverness nearly 19 hours after police responding to his 999 call went to the wrong address. Miss Insch said: ‘I had hoped my father’s death would not be in vain and that Police Scotland would take the results of these investigations and make changes to improve the service. Unfortunately their mistakes can cost lives. While mistakes are inevitable, they must take action to prevent those they can.’
Scottish Labour MSP Mary Fee said: ‘While the majority of calls are dealt with correctly, one simple mistake, such as failing to log the right address, could cost lives. We need full confidence in the 999 and 101 service.’
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Douglas Ross said: ‘Officers and staff in these facilities are working under tremendous pressure. But, with resources tight and planning so poor, it’s no wonder serious mistakes are being clocked.’
A PIRC spokesman said: ‘Investigation will focus on the response from Police Scotland to telephone calls received by them about the woman on February 24, 2017.
‘A report will be submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.’
Police Scotland said it handles tens of thousands of calls every month without any issues.
A spokesman said: ‘Around 10.50pm on February 24, 2017, officers discovered the body of a 65-year-old woman within a property in Gilbertfield Place, Glasgow. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
‘The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has instructed the PIRC to carry out an investigation.’
Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said the number of notable incidents recorded was ‘small’, adding: ‘That is why it’s vitally important we get it right and learn from any issues which do arise. The past year has been one of significant improvement.’
‘I hoped my father’s death wasn’t in vain’