Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody

NEW: Guidance on preventing suicides in and following police custody in England and Wales. Focus on early identification, better training, and coordinated support for vulnerable detainees. Read: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/guidance-…

"Behind the numbers: how overcrowding can impact people in prison." Read the latest @InsideTimeUK article by our Chair, @EmslieLynn insidetime.org/information/be…

NEW: Our latest report sets out why every death under the MHA must be independently investigated. We call for parity with other detention settings and a new mechanism to ensure transparency, learning, and justice for bereaved families. Read: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/independe…

What is impact of projected increases in prisoner numbers on deaths and suicide in custody? Worked on this new modeling study. Novel methods. Shows impact disproportionate for local prisons, esp suicide. Led by colleague Dr Denis Yukhnenko

NEW: Our latest report models the impact of prison overcrowding on custody deaths in England & Wales. We call for targeted suicide/self-harm prevention measures in overcrowded prisons, alongside a coordinated response to rising custodial pressures. Read: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/urgent-ac…

Today we've published our new workplan, outlining priorities to prevent deaths in custody. Key areas include: ➡️ MHA death investigations & data ➡️ Ligature deaths in prison ➡️ Use of force during arrest ➡️Deaths in Approved Premises Read more: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/new-iapdc….

Our new analysis of suicide mortality in prison highlights the need for a national strategy to remove ligatures. Having a few ‘safe cells’ per prison is not adequate.

NEW: Our latest report examines 25 years of data on ligature deaths in prisons & outlines strategies for prevention. We recommend a national strategy to ensure a consistent, evidence-based approach to reduce ligature deaths across the estate. Read: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/national-…

"Mental health does not exist in isolation – it is deeply connected to our relationships, our sense of purpose & the continuity of care & support we receive both inside and outside prison walls." Read IAPDC Chair @EmslieLynn 's article for @InsideTimeUK: insidetime.org/information/st…

The latest prison and police custody deaths data show more must be done to safeguard lives. Read our statement here: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/latest-pr…

"These conditions have a serious impact on the safety and wellbeing of prisoners, as we continue to see worrying levels of death and self-harm across the prison estate." Read our response to @HMIPrisonsnews report here: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/iapdc-res….

'We must ensure that seriously ill individuals are given timely access to appropriate care in the right setting.' Read the latest @InsideTimeUK article by our Chair, @EmslieLynn. insidetime.org/information/me…

We welcome the recommendations of the Sentencing Review, particularly its focus on reducing reliance on custody and strengthening community alternatives. The Government must act now to implement these recommendations. Read our full statement below. iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/implement…

"This updated guidance recognises the vital role PCCs have in ensuring individuals held in custody are detained safely & supported appropriately upon release, through their role of holding to account & scrutiny." - @EmslieLynn Read more here: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/updated-g….

The scale of drug misuse in the criminal justice system is significant and both directly and indirectly leads to deaths in custody. We welcome the @CommonsJustice's inquiry into tackling drugs in prison. Read our written evidence to the inquiry here: committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidenc….

'Driving improvements to safety through the Independent Sentencing Review.' Read the latest @InsideTimeUK article by our Chair, @EmslieLynn. insidetime.org/information/dr…

The latest data published by @MoJGovUK and @hmpps show there were 342 deaths in prison in 2024. Read our response here: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/iapdc-res….

The MoJ is currently advertising the Chair vacancy on the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody. Further details, and how to apply, can be found at: …for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/8394 Applications deadline is in fact 11:00am on Wednesday 19 February 2025 @publicappts @IAPDC_UK

People on remand are at significantly increased risk of suicide. In her column for @InsideTimeUK, our Chair @EmslieLynn sets out the importance of access to purposeful activities, family contact & mental health support to help keep remand prisoners safe. insidetime.org/information/su…

NEW: We are very pleased to welcome Kate Eves and Andrew Harris as new members of the IAPDC. Read about their backgrounds and expertise here: iapdeathsincustody.independent.gov.uk/news/two-new-m….