Deaths in prison custody 2009

Deaths in prison custody 2009



The Ministry of Justice has announced today that there were 60 apparently self-inflicted deaths among prisoners in England and Wales in 2009.

Claire Ward, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice said:

‘Each and every death in custody is a personal tragedy for all those involved. The Government is fully committed to reducing deaths in custody. The continued reduction in the rate of self-inflicted deaths in our prisons is welcome news. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all those who work in our prisons who care for the most vulnerable prisoners.’

On any one day, prisons keep safe over 1,500 people assessed as being at particular risk of suicide or self-harm. These and many more prisoners are helped and cared for by prison staff, third sector partners and other prisoners – trusted ‘Listeners’ trained by the Samaritans to provide confidential emotional support to others.

Phil Wheatley, Director General of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) said:

‘It is vital that we learn from all deaths so that we can prevent future ones. I am pleased that we have held down the number of self-inflicted deaths given the increased population pressures we have faced this year. I also welcome the fact that there are now fewer deaths in the early days of custody. This is due to better drug detoxification programmes, mental health services and the sheer hard work of prison staff in caring for those most at risk of suicide. Continuing to reduce the number of self-inflicted deaths in prison custody is important core business for the National Offender Management Service in 2010.’