IOPC Statistics: Deaths During or Following Police Contact in England and Wales

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) published the latest statistics on deaths during or following police contact in England and Wales on 30 July 2026. It shows an increaase over the last year from 18 to 27.

‘The number of deaths in or following police custody has increased over the last year from 18 to 27. Over time, there have been some fluctuations in this category, with notable increases recorded in 2014/15, 2017/18 and 2022/23. The 2025/26 figure is higher than the average of 19 deaths over the 11-year period.

The number of recorded apparent suicides following custody was 67, higher than the 61 fatalities recorded last year. The number of deaths in this category remain higher than the average number recorded over the years before 2012/13, when there was a notable increase. The number is higher than the average of 59 deaths reported over the 11-year period. Reporting of these deaths relies on police forces making the link between a person’s apparent suicide and them being recently in custody. The overall increase in these deaths over the period since 2014/15, may be influenced by improved identification and referral of such cases.’

For more information and to read the full report, please click here: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/news/iopc-publishes-latest-statistics-deaths-during-or-following-police-contact-england-and-wales

The Draft Sixth Edition of the Blue Guidelines will be updated to include these findings. The research clearly shows that there is an urgent and growing need for strengthened, consistent training for HCPs working in custody.