IOPC Publish custody deaths statistics for UK 2022-2023
all credits: IOPC
published: 28 July 2023
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In July 2023 the Independent Office for Police Misconduct (IOPC) released details of their custody deaths statistics for England and Wales 2022-2023.
The following content is transcribed from the IOPC website.
Deaths during or following police contact
"Police forces have a statutory duty to refer all incidents involving a death or serious injury to us. Each year, we publish data showing how many people have died after contact with the police."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today published its annual report on deaths during or following police contact in 2022/23.
Published for the 19th 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 UK Statistics Authority has designated these statistics as National Statistics in accordance with the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007.
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Amongst others, report shows there were 23 deaths in or following police custody, an increase of 12 from 2021/22, and the highest figure since 2017/18:
- Eight people were taken ill or were identified as being unwell in a police cell. Five were taken to hospital where they later died. Three people died in a police custody suite
- Twelve people were taken ill at the scene of arrest. Eight people were taken to hospital, where they later died. Four people died at the scene
- One man was taken ill in a police vehicle, and was taken to hospital where he died
- One man died following release from police custody. The man had been taken to hospital after being charged and remanded
- One man died after leaving police detention. His body was found after going missing from hospital while still in the care of police and awaiting a mental health assessment
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