Southern District Police acknowledge the findings of the Coroner in the death of Jai Davis at the Otago Correctional Facility in February 2011.
Following the conclusion of the inquest, Police reviewed all of the evidence offered to assess whether any new evidence that would give rise to any criminal liability. The review, completed in February this year, found that the available evidence failed to meet the standards required by the Solicitor-General’s Prosecution Guidelines and no charges against any individual should be laid in relation to the death of Jai Davis.
Since this incident, Police and Corrections have agreed to a process by which information requiring urgent action can be passed between Southern Police and the Otago Correctional Facility to ensure thorough and timely communication occurs about such matters in the future.
Prior to the Coroner's findings being released, Police conducted its own review of the investigation, which was carried out by an officer from outside the district. That review identified similar issues to those released in today's findings, which in addition to the work already underway with Corrections at a national level to improve information sharing, have already been addressed by the district. The Independent Police Conduct Authority has also advised Police that it is satisfied with the review.
ENDS
Released by Superintendent Andrew Coster, Southern District Commander
Media queries to Nic Barkley, District Communications Manager, on 021 192 2813