Statistics
Prisons
In the 12 months to December 2023, there were 311 deaths in prison custody. This is calculated at a rate of 3.6 per 1,000 prisoners. This is an increase of 3% from 301 deaths in the previous 12 months.
Of the 311 deaths, 93 were self-inflicted, an increase of 22% from 76 self-inflicted deaths in the previous 12 months. During the same period, 179 deaths were due to natural causes, a decrease of 10%.
Safety in Custody statistics
Approved Premises
There were 14 deaths of offenders with residence in Approved Premises in 2022/23, an increase of 1 since 2021/22. Deaths in Approved Premises accounted for 1% of all deaths of offenders in the community in 2022/23.
Deaths of offenders in the community, England and Wales 2022/23
Secure health
Providers have notified the CQC that 270 people died while detained under the Mental Health Act between April 2021 and March 2022. This is a fall on the previous year (363 deaths).
Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2021/22
Police custody
In 2022/23, 23 people died in or following police custody, an increase of 12 compared to 2021/22. There were 52 apparent suicides, a decrease of five compared to 2021/22.
Deaths during or following police contact: Statistics for England and Wales2020/21
Immigration
In 2022, there was one death in the detention estate while being held solely under immigration powers.
Deaths of persons detained under Immigration Act Powers