Deaths and serious incidents in prison

Request data on deaths in custody, serious incidents, and self-harm.

Deaths and serious incidents in prison are matters of significant public concern. The figures reveal the scale of the problem and whether trends are improving or worsening.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The total number of deaths in custody, broken down by cause (e.g. natural causes, suicide, drug-related, homicide, awaiting determination). 2. The total number of recorded incidents of self-harm. 3. The number of serious assaults on prisoners by other prisoners. 4. The number of serious assaults on prison staff. I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

The Scottish Prison Service. Find their contact details on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • The Scottish Prison Service publishes some data on deaths in custody in its annual report. Check what is already available before submitting your request.
  • Fatal Accident Inquiries are held into deaths in custody and the findings are published. Check the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website for relevant determinations.
  • If you are interested in a specific prison, name it in the request. Otherwise ask for data broken down by establishment.