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<p>The Government publishes quarterly statistics on self-inflicted deaths in prison,
and a more detailed annual breakdown, which is available at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/safety-in-custody-quarterly-update-to-september-2018"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/safety-in-custody-quarterly-update-to-september-2018</a></p><p>
</p><p>Table 1.1 of the document ‘Deaths in prison custody 1978-2018’ shows the rate
of self-inflicted deaths for the prison population in each calendar year. In 2018
the rate was 1.12 per 1000 prisoners.</p><p> </p><p>Table 1.11 of the same document
shows the number of self-inflicted deaths among those serving sentences of imprisonment
for public protection in each calendar year. In 2018 there were 5 such deaths. This
was at a rate of 1.38 per 1,000 IPP prisoners. Figures such as this for rates should
be considered with caution when derived from relatively small numbers of events.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government is taking unprecedented action to improve safety in prisons,
including redoubling our efforts to prevent self-inflicted deaths. We have recruited
over 4,700 more prison officers since October 2016, and we now have the greatest number
in post since early 2012. This is allowing us to implement the key worker role, allowing
staff dedicated time to provide support to individual prisoners.</p><p> </p><p>We
are improving support for prisoners in their early days in custody and working to
improve the multi-disciplinary ACCT case management process for those at risk of suicide
or self-harm.</p><p>We have rolled out a revised and improved Introduction to Suicide
and Self-harm Prevention course. This is being completed by all new staff and as refresher
training by all existing staff. Nearly 25,000 staff have already begun this training
and over 14,000 have completed all six modules.</p><p> </p>
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