Essex Police cleared over man’s death after taser use in 2022
Investigation Finds Officers Acted Properly
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has wrapped up a major probe into a 2022 incident where Essex Police tasered a man who later died. Their report confirms officers behaved appropriately throughout.
What Happened? The Timeline Unfolded
On November 21, 2022, officers were called to a domestic dispute in Braintree. They found 29-year-old Sali Byberi acting erratically and became physically confrontational. Before resorting to a taser, officers tried to calm him down verbally. Despite these efforts, the taser was deployed to restrain him.
Medical Experts Clear Taser of Causing Death
The coroner delivered a narrative verdict, ruling Mr Byberi’s death as acute toxicity coupled with acute behavioural disorder (ABD). Independent medical tests, referenced by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, found no link between the taser discharge and the death. Instead, fatal complications arose due to acute cocaine toxicity.
IOPC Praises Officers’ Judgement and Protocol
Charmaine Arbouin, IOPC Regional Director, stressed the officers faced a highly volatile and unpredictable situation. She said: “Expert consultation confirmed that Taser use was the only viable option for subduing and arresting the subject.”
How the Investigation Was Carried Out
- In-depth scene examination
- Collecting witness statements
- Reviewing body-worn camera footage
- Analysing police radio communications
- Consulting independent taser experts
Professional Conduct Upheld, No Disciplinary Action
A detailed October 2023 report found no cause for disciplinary measures against the officers. It highlighted they followed professional standards and force guidelines laid out by the College of Policing.
