Wednesday, 25 October 2023
Parliamentarians and journalists were among those who attended an event aiming to increase prison safety, prompted by recent research from the University of Nottingham.
The research, led by Professor Philippa Tomczak in the School of Sociology, highlighted issues in prisoner safety, and recommended changes to investigations into prisoner deaths.
Every year, hundreds of prisoners die in England and Wales — in the 12 months to September 2022, there were 307 deaths in prison custody.
The research recommended that investigations into the deaths should name the systematic reasons behind the deaths, whether it be through too many prisoners or too few staff.
The event on October 24th saw academics and representatives from a number of organisations come together to highlight the findings of the report, including HM Prisons and Probation Service, the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody, Ministry of Justice, National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death, and the NHS.
More than 70 people attended the event, promoting discussion about how best to avoid deaths of prisoners in custody, and methods to reduce pain for loved ones affected.
Professor Philippa Tomczak said: “Reading these death investigations and hearing families’ words over and over again is simply devastating. The UK is the sixth richest national economy in the world. The British education system has one of the highest education standards in the world. We can do better than this. Hopefully this event and the research will kickstart more effective prisoner death investigations and improved prison safety.”
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon added: “Listening to the testimonies of those with a family member who had committed suicide in prison was powerful, devastating. It’s clear that action must be taken to prevent further suicides in prisons. Yesterday’s event was invaluable in raising awareness amongst those who could make a difference.”
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Philippa Tomczak at Philippa.Tomczak@nottingham.ac.uk
Faith Pring - Media Relations Manager
Email: faith.pring@nottingham.ac.uk
Phone: 0115 748 4411
Location: University of Nottingham, University Park
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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