Data show significant and worrying increase in police-related deaths

The number of deaths in or following police custody has more than doubled over the past year, demonstrating the urgency with which the Home Office and police leadership must act to prevent these tragic and often avoidable deaths. The latest figures, published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), show 23 people sadly died in 2022/23 compared to 11 people in the previous year. This is the highest figure recorded for five years.

Concerningly, 11 of the people who died had some use of force against them including the use of leg restraints, a spit hood, and taser discharge. Further, the data show that a high proportion of deaths involved people experiencing mental health and/or substance misuse problems. Of the 23 people who died, 13 had mental health concerns with four having been detained under the Mental Health Act, and 21 had links to drugs and/or alcohol.

This illustrates the importance of effective partnership working between police and health services when responding to people experiencing a mental health crisis. It also shows the tragic human cost when timely and appropriate care and support is not delivered. The Panel set out these concerns in its response to the National Partnership Agreement launched last week.

The number of apparent post-custody suicides continues to be worryingly high with 52 deaths within two days of release from police custody. Of those who died, 39 had known mental health concerns. The consistently high number of post-custody suicides each year puts into question the efficacy of current interventions. Robust pre-release assessments and joined-up support with voluntary organisations are vital to mitigating suicide risk.

The Panel’s recent report on preventing police custody deaths puts forward a series of recommendations around mental health and risk, reducing apparent post-custody suicides, and embedding learning. The Panel is working closely with police, health, and voluntary sector stakeholders – including the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners – to drive forward these recommendations. This includes its work with the National Police Chiefs’ Council on reducing the risk of suicide after release from custody. The Panel is also taking forward work to understand disproportionality in deaths that occur in detention.

You can access the IOPC’s data publication here.