Document Type: Panel guidance

Produced collaboratively by the College of Policing, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), and the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAPDC) – this guidance 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.

The IAPDC welcomed the substantive review of the Mental Health Act (1983), performed by Sir Simon Wessley. It contributed evidence to the second part of the review in August 2018.

The standards for family liaison services following a death in custody, which apply to organisations responsible for the care and treatment of the deceased (including secure settings that hold young people and children) as well as investigatory bodies.

The Common Principles on the Safer Use of Restraint, published in 2013, were developed in conjunction with agencies representing Immigration, prisons, health, youth justice, police and the Restraint Advisory Board

Report on the IAP’s work stream considering investigations of Deaths in custody – compliance with article 2 ECHR