IOPC Publish custody deaths statistics for England and Wales 2023-2024

4WardEverUK • 20 October 2024

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 >

share this article on social media

crime scene
by 4WardEverUK 28 October 2025
The government has announced new rules to increase protections for police officers facing misconduct hearings following recommendations from a review by Sir Adrian Fulford.
Family Fund promo banner
by 4WardEverUK 17 October 2025
In 2023 The NMPMFF revamped their MemberBASE service, which combines contributions to the Fund with a number of extra benefits utilising the Stripe payment platform.
justice scales
by 4WardEverUK 12 October 2025
On the World Day Against the Death Penalty, US-based Catholic Mobilizing Network, explores the many positive abolition movements that have been made, despite an uptick in executions.
Clinton McCurbin
by 4WardEverUK 7 October 2025
The mother of a man who died in police custody nearly 40 years ago said her faith had helped her to deal with the memories, but there was still anger and disappointment at what had happened.
Candle's alight
by 4WardEverUK 7 October 2025
On 5 October 1985 four police officers went to search the home of Mrs Cynthia Jarrett, near the Broadwater Farm estate in Tottenham, and in the furore Mrs Jarrett collapsed.
Hands hold prison bars
by 4WardEverUK 7 October 2025
Each year the prison education statistics come out from the Ministry of Justice. And each year they tell a pretty familiar story of high levels of need that prisons are struggling to meet.
More Articles