Response to Stephen Port victims’ inquest leads to new classifications and clearer guidelines

Following the inquest into the deaths of the victims of serial killer Stephen Port, the Metropolitan Police and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) are implementing reforms to address significant failings in the investigation of unexplained deaths.

The reforms stem from a coroner’s report by Sarah Munro QC in January, which identified a series of critical investigative shortcomings. Among these was a failure to approach deaths with the necessary professional curiosity and concerns about the classification of deaths as “unexplained” rather than “suspicious.”

In response, the police are introducing four new categories for death investigations to provide clarity and consistency in their approach. These are:

“Expected deaths” – where there is a medical diagnosis;
“Unexpected death investigated and not suspicious” – where there is no evidence of third-party involvement;
“Unexpected death under investigation” – requiring further inquiry; and
“Homicide” – where there is a likelihood of third-party involvement.
The changes will be reviewed by the Front Line Policing Chief Officer Group, with the Met Police aiming to integrate these categories into practice by June 30.

Sarah Munro QC highlighted concerns about the term “unexplained” leading investigators to overlook deaths as potentially suspicious unless proven otherwise. She also criticised a lack of accountability within the Met for unexplained death investigations.

The Met has since introduced new guidelines, clarifying the responsibilities of police officers of varying ranks in managing these investigations to ensure greater accountability.

Evidence suggests that failures in initial investigations, including the swift classification of deaths as non-suspicious without proper examination, contributed to the victims’ families’ concerns. These lapses raised suspicions of systemic homophobia, with analysis suggesting assumptions linked to the victims’ sexuality and lifestyle may have hindered proper investigations.

Additionally, Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, addressed concerns regarding the Sleepyboy website used by victim Anthony Walgate as an escort. She highlighted that the Online Safety Bill, introduced in Parliament in March, would introduce stronger accountability for tech companies to tackle criminal activity by anonymous users.

These changes represent a significant step towards restoring public trust and addressing