Police apologise over inmate death communication
BBCPolice have apologised to the family of a prisoner who was found dead in his cell after officers failed to "give them the level of support they deserved".
Guernsey's prison service said it launched an internal investigation after 39-year-old Darren Salituri was found by prison officers at Les Nicolles in St Sampson on 2 February.
Guernsey Police said his family had "raised concerns about the initial communication".
Chief Officer Damian Kitchen said it was clear "our first communication with the family didn't give them the level of support they deserved, the most accurate information at the time, nor meet our own high standards, and for that, we have apologised to them".
At the time prison governor John De Carteret said the death of Salituri would "undoubtedly have an impact on many, not least his family" and described it as a tragedy.
Kitchen said following his death "our Criminal Investigation Department have been liaising with the family culminating with a meeting on Friday with our Professional Standards Team".
He said: "I am truly sorry that we didn't provide the best initial service and will ensure that either I or a member of the senior team at Guernsey Police affords the family an opportunity for a personal meeting to reiterate this apology.
"Immediate actions were taken to address their concerns, and this has been discussed with them."
He said it was "a tragic incident, and the family deserve privacy and support at this very difficult time".
"I must remind everybody this is an ongoing, live investigation, which the police are approaching thoroughly and with an open mind, to gather all the information required for His Majesty's Procurer."
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