Two police officers involved in the Henry Nowak case are under investigation for gross misconduct, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced. The watchdog's investigation will assess whether the officers breached professional behavior standards.
Specifically, the investigation will examine potential failures by the officers to recognize that Nowak needed urgent medical attention, to act immediately after he stated he had been stabbed and was struggling to breathe, and the decision to handcuff him instead of providing first aid. The IOPC stated that serving gross misconduct notices does not guarantee disciplinary proceedings, and a final decision will be made after the investigation concludes.
Derrick Campbell, IOPC Director of Engagement, conveyed deepest sympathies to Nowak's family and friends. He confirmed that investigators had met with the family to discuss the ongoing investigation, which has now entered a new phase following the conclusion of criminal proceedings. Campbell noted that the incident may have seriously harmed public confidence in the police force, a factor to be considered in the evidence assessment.
Vickrum Digwa was convicted of stabbing Henry to death and sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison. Reports indicate that Digwa had falsely claimed Nowak attacked him in a racist incident, a claim that was later revealed to be untrue.
