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14/09/2012
Report Reveals 15% Increase In Custody Deaths
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has revealed that almost 230 people died in prison or other forms of custody in England and Wales during 2011-12.
Nigel Newcomen said in his annual report that it represented a 15% rise on the previous year.
Newcomen added that three apparently self-inflicted deaths of children in custody were the first such cases for three years.
Mr Newcomen said the reversal in recent years of the trend in numbers of deaths was "particularly worrying".
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman launches investigations into every death in custody, and during 2011-12 began 229 such inquiries.
It was the highest number of new investigations since his department became responsible for investigating deaths in 2004.
Mr Newcomen said: "Overall, numbers of deaths rose significantly compared to the previous year - the third year in a row where the number of deaths has risen.
"This growth is disturbing - and also a significant challenge to a demand-led investigative body facing squeezed resources."
(H)
Nigel Newcomen said in his annual report that it represented a 15% rise on the previous year.
Newcomen added that three apparently self-inflicted deaths of children in custody were the first such cases for three years.
Mr Newcomen said the reversal in recent years of the trend in numbers of deaths was "particularly worrying".
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman launches investigations into every death in custody, and during 2011-12 began 229 such inquiries.
It was the highest number of new investigations since his department became responsible for investigating deaths in 2004.
Mr Newcomen said: "Overall, numbers of deaths rose significantly compared to the previous year - the third year in a row where the number of deaths has risen.
"This growth is disturbing - and also a significant challenge to a demand-led investigative body facing squeezed resources."
(H)
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