Four face gross misconduct proceedings over death

Three constables and a police community support officer (PCSO) will face gross misconduct proceedings over how they dealt with a man who was found unwell in Coventry and later died.

It follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The officers from West Midlands Police were called to the city's Central Library on 8 December 2022, where they found 63-year-old Jerome Cowan slumped in a toilet cubicle, unable to stand or stay awake. Officers removed him and placed him on the floor, and a short time later he did not appear to be breathing. He later died in hospital.

West Midlands Police said the hearings for the officers would be held in due course.

The force said it referred the matter to the IOPC and supported the investigation throughout.

On Monday, a two-week inquest at Coventry concluded that Cowan's death was drug and alcohol related.

The jury did not believe that he had a realistic chance of survival, however it found there were missed opportunities in the level of care provided - which could possibly have contributed to his death.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson added that they were aware of the outcome of the inquest and would continue to liaise with the IOPC.

The IOPC investigation began in March 2023 and concluded in May 2025.

The investigation looked at whether the officers' actions and decisions followed national and local policy.

This included provision of first aid, whether Cowan was treated with respect or dignity and fairness and impartiality shown to him, because he was homeless and dependent on alcohol.

Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the IOPC found a case to answer for gross misconduct for a PCSO and three constables. It said one of them is now serving with Warwickshire Police.

The officers were also interviewed under criminal caution, but the IOPC did not send a file of evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service to consider charges against them.

IOPC Director Emily Barry said it would now be for West Midlands Police to organise proceedings for the officers, which would consider the evidence the IOPC gathered.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.