An inspection into how a police force responds to violent incidents has been launched following the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS) will assess Hampshire Police's processes, training, and how officers are supported to make sound and impartial judgements. The inspection was requested by Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, who stated the public "must have confidence" in the force.
Nowak was stabbed in Southampton by Vickrum Digwa, who was jailed for life in June with a minimum term of 21 years. Hampshire Police officers initially arrested Nowak and placed him in handcuffs as he lay dying. Previously released video of Nowak in handcuffs reportedly caused national outrage.
The inspection will assess the end-to-end process of a police response, including call handling, dispatch, and initial attendance at serious violence incidents. It will also examine decision-making and risk assessment training, focusing on how officers are helped to make bias-free decisions and identify when immediate action, such as first aid, is required.
The review will not examine the conduct or actions of officers who responded to the 3 December incident involving Nowak, as this is subject to a separate investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.