Deaths may expose ‘systemic issues’ in Queensland watchhouse checks

Officers and staff are required to check prisoners every 60 minutes including verbal communication, ensuring they are breathing comfortably while sleeping and assessing any underlying health conditions that may be hidden by intoxication. Each check is logged in custody reports.

On February 28, 2018, Ms Wylucki was arrested after breaching a domestic violence order and was taken to Southport Watchhouse, where she was not considered to be heavily intoxicated and was placed in a cell overnight.

At 6.02am the next day, a police officer noticed Ms Wylucki’s feet were purple and officers began CPR. Paramedics declared her dead at 6.38am.

An internal investigation by the Queensland Police ethical standards unit found there was “not a lack of…