Police ignored 'vulnerable' car park fall woman

A former police officer has been found of gross misconduct after giving a "dishonest" account after a "vulnerable" woman fell from a multi-storey car park.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said a woman suffered serious injuries after falling from the third floor of the car park near Charles Cross Police Station in Plymouth, Devon, on 6 October 2023.

PC Bijan Davarian told colleagues had seen her before the fall, but told an IOPC investigation he was not aware of how dangerous the situation was and he had "no recollection" of describing her, an IOPC report said.

The IOPC determined the former Devon and Cornwall officer would have been dismissed had he not already resigned.

At the end of a five-day misconduct hearing on 6 March, the IOPC determined Davarian had breached the police standard of professional behaviour of honesty and integrity.

At the same hearing, serving officer PC Dave Burnard was found to have committed misconduct for breaching the standards of professional behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct, duties, and responsibilities.

The IOPC said Burnard was given a final written warning to last for three years.

Director Derrick Campbell said the effects on the woman was "serious and long-lasting" and "she was clearly in a vulnerable position".

He said: "Both officers failed in their primary duty to respond appropriately to concerns for her safety.

"But, by not immediately trying to interact with the woman, the officers missed a crucial opportunity to try and remove her from harm."

The woman was seen at about 22:20 GMT by Burnard and Davarian on the third floor of the multi-storey car park which overlooks the police station.

The IOPC said both officers were seen on CCTV looking in the direction of the woman, who could be heard singing and shouting, as they made their way into the police station and neither attempted to engage with her.

About nine minutes later, after being alerted to the situation by another officer, the officers left the station where she was last seen and as they tried speaking to her, she fell.

Campbell said it was essential for a police officer to be honest and provide accurate information and, by providing incorrect information, Davarian risked "seriously undermining" the public's confidence in the police force.

The IOPC said the investigation began in October 2023 and concluded in February 2025, which determined the officers had a case to answer for gross misconduct.

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