Deaths Investigated in 2025 page 28

During 2025, 14 deaths fell within the scope of the Inspectorate’s remit for investigation. This represents a significant decrease compared with 2024, when 31 deaths were recorded, the highest number investigated in any year since the Inspectorate commenced death investigations in January 2012. The reduction of 17 deaths, equating to a decrease of 55%, is considered significant.

Contraband and the Secretion of Drugs page 33

The presence of contraband in prisons, and the serious risks associated with the internal secretion of drugs, continued to be a significant factor in Death in Custody investigations during 2025. As in 2024, a number of robust recommendations were made in this area. Of the 43 recommendations made in published reports, 13 arose from two investigations that raised significant concerns regarding the management of prisoners suspected of internally secreting drugs.