Guidance on preventing suicides in and following police custody in England and Wales

This document contains reference to suicide in and following police custody. If you or someone you know is affected, please contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for support.   

New guidance published today – produced collaboratively by the College of Policing, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), and the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAPDC) – sets out a preventative, evidence-informed approach to the risk of suicide in and following police custody. It draws on best practice and the expertise of a broad range of stakeholders across policing, justice, health, and the third sector who participated in a series of working groups to provide a comprehensive framework for identifying and responding to suicide risk throughout custody – from arrest to release. It highlights the importance of early intervention, person-centred care, continuity of care and coordinated multi-agency support.  

Annual statistics published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) consistently highlight a deeply troubling number of apparent suicides following police custody, most occurring within two days of release. In 2024/25, this figure reached as high as 60 that year. While suicides in custody suites remain rare – with one recorded in 2023/24 and the previous death in 2016/17 – it is vital to ensure that suicide risk is identified and appropriately managed throughout custody, including after release. The experience of custody itself can significantly influence a person’s risk of suicide after release, making it essential to assess and address support needs from the point of arrest through to release.  

This guidance sets a clear framework for police forces across England and Wales to embed suicide prevention in every stage of the custody process. Its effective implementation depends on prioritising partnership working, trauma-informed care, and robust release planning. Clear referral pathways and sustained post-custody support are critical to ensuring vulnerable individuals receive the support they need – not just in custody, but beyond release.  

To ensure accountability and transparency, this document emphasises the role of scrutiny panels, independent custody visitors, and regular monitoring. Embedding this guidance successfully will require not only operational changes but also a cultural shift towards collaborative working across sectors, with shared responsibility for safeguarding those at risk. 

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet, NPCC Lead for Custody and Movement of Prisoners said: 

“Every person who enters police custody deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and care. This guidance represents a collective commitment across policing to prevent suicides in and following custody, recognising the profound responsibility we hold for the wellbeing of those in our care. Through proactive engagement, trauma-informed practice, and strong partnerships, we will continue to drive improvements that protect lives and uphold public trust.” 

Lynn Emslie, IAPDC Chair, added: 

“This guidance offers a vital and wide-ranging framework for preventing suicide in and after police custody. It emphasises the need for person-centred care and stronger collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure vulnerable individuals are supported during and beyond release.”  

You can read our report here.