(file photo/paNOW)
PAPS in custody death
Man found unconscious in PAPS cell died of drug toxicity
Jul 25, 2024 | 1:00 PM
A coroner’s jury has determined that Joseph Roy Bird who was found unconscious in a Prince Albert Police holding cell in 2021, died accidentally of drug toxicity.
Bird, 35, died on the evening of October 11, 2021, in Victoria Hospital after being found in the cell. Both PAPS members and then EMS attempted to revive him, but were unsuccessful.
The inquest held at the Coronet Hotel wrapped up on Wednesday, July 24.
Among the recommendations made by the six member jury to avoid similar situations was to have increased monitoring of the camera station at the jail, cavity searches, and having prisoners change out of street clothes if they are to be housed overnight.
