Cape police reassigned in wake of Kowanyama death in custody

Three police officers working at a remote Cape York community have been reassigned while the Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command investigates the death of a man in custody.

Three police officers working at a remote Cape York community have been reassigned

while the Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command investigates the death of a man in custody.

A 51-year-old Indigenous man was found dead in a Kowanyama jail cell on November 9 shortly after he was arrested in relation to allegations of domestic violence offences.

“Initial investigations have confirmed the members involved did not have physical contact with the man at the time of the incident,” QPS said in a statement.

The Kowanyama police station where a 51-year-old man died on November 1.

“The man’s family members have viewed CCTV of the incident as part of the QPS

commitment to an open and transparent investigation of this matter.

“Three QPS members involved have been reassigned to perform alternative duties outside of Kowanyama whilst the matter is under investigation.”

The man was taken into custody in relation to allegations of domestic and family violence related offences.

Kowanyama is 600km northwest of Cairns. Picture: Supplied.

“While in custody, the man was located unresponsive in his cell,” the statement said.

“First aid was immediately provided, and the man was urgently transported to Kowanyama Medical Clinic, where he was declared deceased.”

A coronial inquest will be held into the death.

Originally published as Cape police reassigned in wake of Kowanyama death in custody