IPCC welcomes strengthened Forum for Preventing Deaths in Custody

The Independent Police Complaints Commission welcomes the Ministry of Justice's decision to strengthen the Forum for Preventing Deaths in Custody.  

Nick Hardwick, IPCC chair, said:

"Today's announcement of the strengthened forum coincides with the news that deaths in or following police custody fell in numbers to 21 last year from 27 the year before.

"The forum has successfully brought together the organisations that investigate custody deaths and those that have to care for people in detention or special hospitals.  Much has already been learnt by sharing knowledge and experience.  Setting up the Ministerial Council on Deaths in Custody should ensure that Government gets the best advice on how to reduce deaths in custody further."

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For further information please contact:

Rachael Collins, IPCC Press & PR Manager, on 020 7166 3142 or the out-of-hours duty press officer on 07717 851157.