Friends of a woman who died in police custody just hours after she was arrested say there needs to be a full investigation into her death.
Cindy Miller, 44, was found dead in a cell at the Ipswich Watch House in Queensland in the early hours of Saturday.
Queensland Police has launched an internal review into what happened as tributes were paid to the mother-of-three from Ellen Grove in Brisbane’s south west.
Queensland Police Ethical Standards Command will investigate the death of a 44-year-old Brisbane woman Cindy Miller (pictured) who died in the Ipswich watch house just hours after being detained
Gabrielle Hedley said she looked to Ms Miller as her ‘second mum’ and that her family meant everything.
‘She was one of the most loving caring people I’ve ever met,’ she said. ‘She loved her three kids, grandbabies and family more than anything in this world.
‘I still don’t believe she’s gone. She always had the biggest smile on her face every time I saw her. She’s one of a kind and is going to be missed so so much.
‘This shouldn’t have happened. She should be here having a glass of wine and about to say goodnight to her kids.
Friends said here needs to be a full investigation carried out to identify how Ms Miller died
‘There definitely needs to be a big investigation into it. You’re meant to be safe and cared for while in police custody.’
Another friend, Dan Armitt said: ‘Rest in peace sweetheart. You were a crazy chick may you be somewhere beautiful now.’
Queensland Police Ethical Standards Command will investigate Ms Miller’s death and it will be monitored by the Crime and Corruption Commission.
The force confirmed on Sunday a woman had been detained over drug matters and for missing a court appearance.
Queensland Police has launched an internal review into what happened on Friday evening
Ms Miller was due to appear in court on Monday morning but her body was found at around 2am on Saturday.
She had been arrested on Friday evening and was being held in custody after a warrant was issued for skipping the court date.
A police spokesman said: ‘Sadly, the woman was located deceased during a routine cell check in the early hours of Saturday morning.
‘The Ethical Standards Command are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death on behalf of the Coroner and is being overviewed by the Crime and Corruption Commission.’
Earlier, the unexplained death prompted calls for an independent investigation when it was reported it appeared Ms Miller had not taken her life
Earlier, the unexplained death prompted calls for an independent investigation after it was revealed she did not take her own life.
Debbie Kilroy, from prisoner advocacy group Sisters Inside said it was not acceptable for the police to be investigating themselves in the matter and fears bias.
‘It’s a big issue when police investigate themselves, this is not appropriate, we are calling for an independent investigation, not police investigating police,’ she said.
Mrs Kilroy said that Miss Miller was a much loved member of the community and that the death came as a shock to everyone.
‘No more information has been provided to the family. They’re very distressed not knowing what happened,’ she said.
Ms Miller was found during a routine check at Ipswich Watch House where she had been detained for missing a court date
‘We were not aware of any health issues, so her death has come as a shock.’
Custody staff carried out CPR when she was found in the cell, which have CCTV fitted and is now due to be included in evidence during the investigation.
Police claim she had been checked on by staff at around 1.40am but was had died less than 15 minutes later when another check took place, according to Nine News.
ABC News reported that by all indications Miss Miller did not take her own life.
A coroner will determine the cause of death.