Deadly incidents investigations
1 Tragically, the PPO began investigations into 486 deaths final 12 months, a 35% improve on the 12 months earlier than.
2 There have been 398 deaths in prisons (106 greater than final 12 months). 73 folks died within the first 14 days post- launch (20 extra). 12 folks died in probation permitted premises (2 extra). One particular person died within the immigration removing property (identical as final 12 months).
3 The PO took a mean of 21 weeks to provide an preliminary report for a loss of life by pure causes and 33 weeks for all others.
4 256 folks in detention died from pure causes. 100 deaths, tragically, had been self-inflicted. There have been 86 different “non-natural” deaths and 5 homicides. 36 deaths had been awaiting classification and the reason for loss of life couldn’t be ascertained in three circumstances.
5 Non- pure deaths are outlined as: “These deaths haven’t occurred organically; they’re non-natural however can’t be readily categorized as self-inflicted or murder. They embrace accidents and circumstances the place the autopsy has not ascertained a reason for loss of life. This class additionally consists of drug-related deaths the place there’s not sufficient proof to categorise them as a self-inflicted loss of life.”
6 The best variety of self-inflicted deaths was at HMP Leeds the place seven folks died.
7 One of many major causes for deadly incident investigations is for the PPO to determine processes and procedures which may very well be improved to stop additional deaths the place doable. In 2024/25, the PPO made a complete of 506 suggestions following deaths in custody of which:
165 had been made about healthcare provision62 about basic administration62 about suicide and self-harm prevention37 about emergency response
