On 16 November, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Nigel Newcomen presented learning from his investigations into self-inflicted deaths in custody to delegates at the European Custody and Detention Summit at the Tower of London. Every state in Europe faces significant challenges… Read More
The Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, today announced the publication of the long-awaited Prison Safety and Reform White Paper, setting out “the most far-reaching prison reforms for a generation”. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, Nigel… Read More
The number of prisoner deaths in which the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) may have played a part has now risen to at least 58, said Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) Nigel Newcomen. Today he spoke to prison staff… Read More
Homicides in prison are still rare but the number has increased, vividly illustrating the unacceptable level of violence in prisons in England and Wales, said Nigel Newcomen, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO). Today he published a bulletin on lessons that… Read More
The past year saw a 34% rise in prison suicides, more deaths from natural causes and the highest number of homicides in prison for many years., said Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Nigel Newcomen. Today he published his fifth annual report… Read More
As Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, I independently investigate all deaths in prison, immigration detention and probation approved premises as well as complaints from prisoners, immigration detainees and those under probation supervision. Sadly, demand for my services has never been… Read More
The Prison Service needs to develop a strategy to deal with the growing number of older prisoners so that staff can manage age-related conditions such as dementia better, said Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) Nigel Newcomen. Today he published a… Read More
On 5 July 2016, the Justice Committee held a one-off evidence session on Criminal justice inspectorates and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.Giving evidence to the Committee were: Peter Clarke, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Dame Glenys Stacey, HM Chief Inspector of… Read More
Staff face enormous challenges in keeping order and control in prisons, and the use of force must always be an option, but it should be a measure of last resort, said Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) Nigel Newcomen. Today he… Read More
As part of its major review of end of life care, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has drawn extensively on learning published by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman in its analysis of the quality of care provided for “people who… Read More