APCC Guidance: Preventing deaths in police custody

This guidance has been designed around Police and Crime Commissioner statutory functions to support a reduction in the number of deaths which occur in police custody and apparent suicides within 48 hours of release from custody, with input from the Independent Advisory Panel for Deaths in Custody.  

Summary

The guidance has been produced following a concerning rise in the number of deaths in custody and apparent suicides. Data from the Independent Office for Police Conduct for 2023/24 revealed that there were 24 deaths in police custody, 5 more than the average of 19. Additionally, 68 occurred suicides within 48 hours of release, marking the highest number of such incidents since 2014/15.   

You can expect to find useful evidence-based case studies and recommendations which show: 

• How PCCs can prioritise safer custody practices 

• How PCCs can collaborate with forces, health partners, and charities  

• How PCCs can hold their forces to account, through Independent Custody Visiting schemes, scrutiny panels, or directly with the Chief Constable.