all credits: IOPC

published: 17 October 2024

Image Credit: Freerange Stock Archives at www.FreerangeStock.com

In October 2024 the Independent Office for Police Misconduct (IOPC) released details of their custody deaths statistics for England and Wales 2023-2024.

The following content is transcribed from the IOPC website.

Deaths during or following police contact
"Published for the 20th year, the statistics provide an official record setting out the number of such deaths, the circumstances in which they happen, and any underlying factors. Figures across the different categories can fluctuate each year, and any conclusions about trends need to be treated with caution."

The report shows:

There were 24 deaths in or following police custody, an increase of one from 2022/23, and the highest figure since 2006/07:

• Fifteen people were taken ill or were identified as being unwell in a police cell. Eleven were taken to hospital where they later died. Four people died in a police custody suite.
• Six people were taken ill at the scene of arrest. Three people were taken to hospital, where they later died. Three people died at the scene.
• Two men were taken ill in a police vehicle, and were taken to hospital where they died.
• One woman died following release from police custody. Post arrest she had been taken to hospital for treatment for facial injuries and then returned to custody. She died three days after release.

Read more here >

Download report here >

Other News:

INQUEST responds to highest number of deaths in and following police custody for 17 years

17 October 2024

Police Race Action Plan: Improving Policing for Black People

September 2024