XIII. Conclusion
1.36
The initial purpose of the research was to identify the contributing factors of the
detainees deaths in police custody. However, after analysing the data and the
information collected during the visits, the Commission found that not only
detainees experienced numerous problems, PDRM officers/personnel and staff
also faced various difficulties.
1.37
Based on the findings from interviews and observations, the Commission
discovers several problems and they are as follows:
i. Condition of lock-ups: The lock-ups were very dirty and not suitable to be
occupied by detainees. This was one of the factors which contributed to health
problems among detainees and officers/personnel in-charge or who dealt with
detainees. No emergency/medical aids or facilities in handling a situation where
detainees were under the influence of drugs or alcohol; no experience in
controlling or managing a situation requiring first aid, and these were among the
issues raised to the Commission.
ii. Health: Health issue was the main problem in lock-up management due to
unavailability of Medical Officers in PDRM lock-ups. Lock-up Rules 1953
requires compulsory health screening on detainees, however it cannot be
carried out as the no. of Medical Officers were not enough and there were no
treatment rooms in several lock-ups being visited. In addition, PDRM
officers/personnel were not trained to provide emergency aid. From the
Commission observation based on the statistics provided by PDRM, health
problems were among the causes of detainees deaths, followed by the deaths
caused by the deceased’s own actions and lastly deaths due to foul play by the
police.
iii. Investigation facilities and remand application: Based on the findings from
the interviews with detainees and IO/AIO, and the filed complaints, the
Commission found that most investigations were carried out after arrests but
18