Context

The IPCC is aware that concerns have been raised about some of our investigations into deaths, including by the families of those who have died. Some of the issues raised are the result of limitations to the IPCC’s powers or resources, but we also need to learn whether there are ways in which we need to work differently. The purpose of this review is to engage with all of those who have experience of our work investigating deaths, including our critics, to increase public confidence in this important area of our work.

That is the context for this review of our work in cases involving deaths during or after police contact - and particularly those cases where Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights is engaged (cases where the state’s actions, or failures to act, may have contributed to the death).

This will include deaths in police custody, deaths during or following police contact, road traffic fatalities, fatal shootings, apparent suicides following police contact and other deaths following police contact.

To ensure that the review is as effective as possible, the IPCC wants to receive contributions from a wide range of people including, but not limited to:

  • those affected by the Commission’s work in such cases

  • organisations or individuals involved in discharging the state’s investigative obligations under Article 2, such as coroners and the CPS

  • other persons with specialist knowledge.

We previously consulted on the scope and methodology for this review, please see our consultations page. View the final scope and methodology.

We also held a written consultation into the review of IPCC cases involving a death which closed on the 11 January 2013. The consultation document and questions are below.

Any comments you would like the IPCC to consider should be sent to review@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or posted to the address on the form.

Opinions and feedback on the review will be considered and a report and recommendations published later this year.

A panel of experts has been assembled to work with the IPCC in its review of cases involving a death following police contact.

Four independent specialists have formed a reference group to advise on the review and its recommendations. See the press release for more information.

Please also see our latest press release.