As a service we take the treatment of people we interact with very seriously.

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Custody and Movement of Prisoners, Chief Constable Nicholas Ephgrave said:

"Whilst there was a reduction compared with the previous year, it is a matter of great sadness to note that 14 people died in or following police custody for the 2015-16 year period. As a service we take the treatment of people we interact with very seriously. Every death is a traumatic and deeply sad event, in particular for friends and loved ones, but also impacting on the police officers and staff involved. Police come to work wanting to protect people and save life, and each death must be scrutinised to learn lessons and help raise standards of care.

"Custody is a high risk environment and the statistics show detained people often have considerable health issues both physical and mental. In light of that, we recognise the important role that healthcare professionals and services play in providing the support, services and accommodation to people who are vulnerable, and we will continue working with the Home Office and Department of Health to ensure that people at a point of crisis receive an appropriate response from the right service at the right time.

"In addition, we are working to enhance risk assessment arrangements to ensure we consistently identify and respond to physical and mental health risk throughout a person’s time in custody.