What is the current remit of the prison and probation office regards deaths in custody?
SS: We investigate all deaths that occur in prison – accidents, homicides, those from a natural cause and self-inflicted deaths. We also have discretionary powers to investigate deaths of people who recently left prison and where the circumstances of death may say something about the care and support they received in prison. On the latter we look at the quality of resettlement plans and specifically, what advice was given to those with a history of drug use about their reduced tolerance levels on leaving prison. In your first nine months, you conducted 156 investigations. What was the breakdown? Four discretionary cases looking at those just released from prison; two homicides; 76 of natural causes; 66 from apparent suicide; and eight that are unclassified. Investigations used to be carried out by the Prison Service. How has the process changed since your office took responsibility? The basic methodology was very robust and in many ways the procedure is the same. In fact, we have a num
