We have published our annual report on deaths during or following police contact in 2017/18.
It shows:
- There were 23 deaths in or following police custody, an increase of nine from last year. This is the highest number for a decade, but remains lower than the figure recorded in 2004 (36) when the IOPC began to report these deaths. Three people died in a police cell, and five died in hospital after becoming unwell in custody. Nine people were taken ill at the scene of arrest and died in hospital.
- There were four fatal police shootings, compared to six last year. Three of this year’s shootings were from the Borough Market terrorist attack.
- There were 29 road traffic fatalities, an overall decrease of three on last year; 17 of the deaths were from police pursuit-related incidents, a reduction from last year (28); eight fatalities resulted from emergency response incidents, the highest figure recorded since 2004/05.
- There were 57 apparent suicides following police custody, the same as in the previous year, and in line with figures recorded over the last 10 years.
- The IOPC also investigated 170 other deaths following contact with the police in a wide range of circumstances, up from 132 the previous year. Deaths are only included in this category when the IOPC has conducted an independent investigation. This figure therefore reflects a substantial increase in the number of independent investigations the IOPC has been carrying out, rather than any definite rise in people dying in such circumstances.
As in previous years, mental health and links to drugs or alcohol were common factors among many of those who died:
- 12 of the 23 people who died in or following police custody had mental health concerns.
- 18 people who died in or following police custody had links to drugs and/or alcohol.
Seventeen people who died in or following police custody or other contact had been restrained or had force used against them by the police or others before their deaths. The use of force did not necessarily contribute to the deaths. Of these 17 people, nine were White and eight were Black.
- Of the 17 pursuit-related fatalities, 12 people were the driver or a passenger in a vehicle being pursued by the police when it crashed. Of these, one person was riding a motorbike, and in another incident the person was riding a moped. Of the 29 road traffic fatalities, 13 people who died during pursuit or emergency response incidents were in an unrelated vehicle or a pedestrian.
- Of the 170 ‘other deaths’ category, 146 fatalities followed contact with the police, either directly or indirectly, after concerns were raised about someone’s welfare – of these, 45 died following report of a missing person and 43 related to concern about a person’s risk of self-harm, risk of suicide, or mental health. Twenty-one fatalities followed concern for welfare linked to domestic related incidents – broadly the same proportion as last year.
- Of the 57 apparent suicides, 29 (51%) of those who died had been arrested for an alleged sexual offence – 25 (44%) of these involved offences against children. These are the second highest proportions recorded since 2004/05.
The statistics include some force-specific data. Additional data tables are available on the IOPC website.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct came into being in January this year, transitioned from the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission).
Over the past few years, before 2015/16, on average, the IOPC (operating as the IPCC) received about 430 referrals each year where someone had died following police contact. In 2013/14 and 2014/15, the IOPC investigated independently approximately one in ten (10%) of these referrals. In 2015/16 and 2016/17, in-line with the increase in resources, one in four (25%) referrals relating to deaths following police contact were investigated independently. This year, one in three (33%) such referrals were independently investigated.
An act of parliament that provides the core framework of police powers to combat crime and provide codes of practice for the exercise of these powers.
Leads and manages the development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The body that represents the interests of all police constables, sergeants, and inspectors.
Deals with someone’s inability or failure to perform to a satisfactory level, but without breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
Focuses on putting an issue right and preventing it from happening again by encouraging those involved to reflect on their actions and learn. It is not a disciplinary process or a disciplinary outcome.
Department within a police force that deals with complaints and conduct matters.
Refers to lower-level misconduct or performance-related issues, which are dealt with in a proportionate and constructive manner.
This means doing what is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the facts and the context in which the complaint has been raised, within the framework of legislation and guidance.
The average is calculated using the individual results of the forces in that most similar force group.
An investigation carried out by IOPC staff.
Carried out by the police under their own direction and control. The IOPC sets the terms of reference and receives the investigation report when it is complete. Complainants have a right of appeal following a supervised investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
This act sets out how the police complaints system operates.
How a police force is run, for example policing standards or policing policy.
An investigation carried out by the police under the direction and control of the IOPC.
The organisation that is responsible for assessing how to deal with a complaint. For example – whether it can be handled locally or reaches the criteria for referral to the IOPC. The appropriate authority may be the chief officer of the police force or the PCC for the force. If a complaint investigation finds that someone has a case to answer for misconduct, the appropriate authority is responsible for arranging any misconduct proceedings. If you make a complaint, the appropriate authority for your case will contact you.
An intelligence-led agency with law enforcement powers, it is also responsible for reducing the harm that is caused to people and communities by serious organised crime.
Policing bodies include police and crime commissioners, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
Investigations carried out entirely by the police. Complainants have a right of appeal following a local investigation (unless it is an investigation into a direction and control matter).
IOPC guidance to the police service and police authorities on the handling of complaints.
A complaint or recordable conduct matter that doesn’t need to be referred to the IOPC, but where the seriousness or circumstances justifies referral.
Parameters within which an investigation is conducted.
A person is adversely affected if he or she suffers any form of loss or damage, distress or inconvenience, if he or she is put in danger or is otherwise unduly put at risk of being adversely affected.
This is where a manager deals with the way someone has behaved. It can include: showing the police officer or member of staff how their behaviour fell short of expectations set out in the Standards of Professional Behaviour; identifying expectations for future conduct; or addressing any underlying causes of misconduct.
This could be the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Common Council for the City of London, or the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A flexible process for dealing with complaints that can be adapted to the needs of the complainant. It may involve, for example, providing information and an explanation, an apology, or a meeting between the complainant and the officer involved.
A breach of standards of professional behaviour by police officers or staff so serious it could justify their dismissal.
A matter where no complaint has been received, but where there is an indication that a person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence or behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
Quarter 1 covers 1 April - 30 June
Quarter 2 covers 1 April - 30 September
Quarter 3 covers 1 April - 31 December
Quarter 4 covers the full financial year (1 April - 31 March).
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
Used to house anyone who has been detained.
Complainants have the right to appeal to the IOPC if a police force did not record their complaint or notify the correct police force if it was made originally to the wrong force.
The purpose of an investigation is to establish the facts behind a complaint, conduct matter, or DSI matter and reach conclusions. An investigator looks into matters and produces a report that sets out and analyses the evidence. There are three types of investigations: local, directed and independent.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
A person who makes a complaint about the conduct of someone serving with the police.
The ending of an ongoing investigation into a complaint, conduct matter or DSI matter. An investigation may only be discontinued if it meets one or more of the grounds for discontinuance set out in law.
List of officers and staff who have been dismissed from policing, or would have been if they had not retired or resigned.
The type of behaviour being complained about. A single complaint case can have one or many allegations attached.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
An independent judicial officer, the coroner enquires into deaths reported to him/her.
A breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour that would justify at least a written warning.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
A record is made of a complaint, giving it formal status as a complaint under the Police Reform Act 2002.
This is a format where information is written in plain English and short sentences.
The IOPC must be notified about specific types of complaint or incidents to be able to decide how they should be dealt with.
No further action may be taken with regard to a complaint if the complainant decides to retract their allegation(s).
Casework involves assessing appeals. Casework staff also have a role in overseeing the police complaints system to help ensure police forces handle complaints in the best possible way.
Disapplication means that a police force may handle a complaint in whatever way it thinks fit, including not dealing with it under complaints legislation. This may only happen in certain circumstances where the complaint fits one or more of the grounds for disapplication set out in law.
Conduct includes acts, omissions, statements and decisions (whether actual, alleged or inferred). For example: language used and the manner or tone of communications.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.
You can request a review/appeal if you’re not satisfied with how your complaint has been handled.