List of prison deaths to be published in move ‘from secrecy to openness’

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Details of deaths in Britain’s prisons will now be published weekly in a “truly momentous” enchancment in openness and transparency. 

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will submit weekly updates figuring out those that have died, the prison the place they had been being held and the date of their dying. 

Previously, particulars of those that have died inside prisons haven’t been launched till an inquest has been held – which may take months and even years. 

The move comes after self-inflicted deaths in prison soared by practically 1 / 4 final yr, in accordance to Ministry of Justice figures. Of 311 deaths in prison 2023, 93 deaths had been recorded as self-inflicted – an increase of 22 per cent on the earlier yr. 

Self-harm incidents have additionally soared, with one recorded each seven minutes contained in the nation’s prisons. Overall there have been 67,773 self-harm incidents in the 12 months to September 2023, up 17 per cent in contrast to the earlier yr.

Announcing the move, a spokesman mentioned the prisons ombudsman Adrian Usher felt it was essential to enhance transparency.

A PPO spokesperson mentioned: “The PPO publishes fatal incident investigation reports on our website already, however we have decided to announce the names of those whose deaths we are investigating at the start of our investigations.

“Ombudsman Adrian Usher felt it was important that we are even more transparent in our investigations so the website will be updated weekly. We will not announce the names of those under 18.”

On Thursday, the primary listing of latest deaths was published on the ombudsman’s web site – revealing the watchdog is investigating six deaths which befell the week till 22 February.

They embody two deaths at HMP Littlehey, a Category C prison for male intercourse offenders in Cambridgeshire, and additional deaths at HMP Lindholme, Serco-operated HMP Fosse Way, HMP Whatton and HMP Northumberland.

Further particulars of the investigation into every deadly incident will proceed to be published after inquests have concluded.

Mark Leech, editor of The Prisons Handbook for England and Wales, welcomed the move “from secrecy to openness” – nevertheless the charity Inquest has raised considerations over the affect on bereaved households.

Mr Leech, who wrote a scathing editorial on the failure of the PPO to disclose particulars of those that have died in custody in the 2023 version of the annual reference e book, mentioned: “Make no mistake this change of Ombudsman policy, moving from secrecy to openness in disclosing the details of those who have died inside our prisons within a week of their deaths, is truly momentous.

“That shocking failure to acknowledge the public’s right to know who, where and when someone had died in the custody of State shortly after it happened, has been an issue I have raised with every Prisons Ombudsman since 2010 – all without any success, until now.

“This abrupt about turn will rightly have a welcome and vitally important effect on the perceived independence of the Prisons Ombudsman, and it shows respect too for bereaved families who, since the Office of Prisons Ombudsman was created exactly 30 years ago, have been treated with an appalling lack of respect.”

Inquest, which helps bereaved households, mentioned the move is welcome however raised questions over the affect of speedy publication on grieving households who could not have held a funeral.

Spokesperson Lucy McKay instructed The Independent: “Transparency following deaths in prison is vital to ensure that the public are aware of the fatal consequences of our failing criminal justice system.

“The regular publication of information on individual deaths and the prisons they are taking place in is welcome, but must be balanced with the needs of the bereaved people.

“Behind every person who has died in prison is countless bereaved family members and friends who are responding to the loss of a loved one.”