Two Lincolnshire Police officers have been cleared of misconduct after a panel ruled they acted appropriately during an incident that led to a woman’s tragic death. The case, described as “extraordinary and wrong,” has raised serious questions about the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and its decision to direct the investigation.
The Incident
On 21 July 2022, Sergeant Connor Ingamells and PC Paige Thompson responded to a 999 call regarding a 44-year-old woman who was believed to have overdosed at a Skegness caravan park. Upon arrival, the officers relied on the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) paramedics, who assessed the situation and deemed it not life-threatening.
The case has reignited debates about the IOPC’s oversight and whether it unfairly holds frontline police officers accountable for outcomes beyond their control.
A Call for Fairness
The panel’s findings have underscored the need for proportionality and fairness in misconduct investigations, particularly where officers act in good faith under challenging circumstances.
This case serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by emergency service personnel and highlights the importance of balanced scrutiny. While the woman’s death is undoubtedly tragic, the panel’s decision reinforces that accountability must be fair and reasonable, avoiding retrospective blame for systemic issues.
Looking Ahead
With Sgt Ingamells and PC Thompson cleared, the case has sparked calls for a review of how the IOPC directs misconduct hearings. It also raises broader questions about support for emergency service workers who navigate high-pressure, multi-agency incidents every day.
The IOPC has yet to comment on the outcome of the hearing.
