Number of deaths whilst on probation highest in the north west

The number of people dying while on probation in the north west increased the most in 2017/18, new research from the BBC Shared Data Unit shows.

In particular, Greater Manchester’s probation and community rehabilitation services have had some of the highest death rates in the country since government reforms in 2014.

The National Probation Service (NPS), which has eight divisions, was set up to supervise high-risk offenders, with 21 privately-run Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) supervising low and medium-risk offenders.

For 18 out of 28 National Probation Service (NPS) divisions and Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRC) in England and Wales, the number of deaths has increased.

The Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company, run by Purple Futures/Interserve, experienced the second highest number of deaths in the UK in the year 2017/18.

In this time period, 71 deaths were recorded – a 163% increase on 2015/16. Of these, 15 deaths were self-inflicted, 36 due to natural causes, three due to homicide, and three were accidental. Six deaths were unclassified, and four deaths were marked as ‘other’.

The Ministry of Justice-run NPS North West, which includes Buckley Hall Prison, experienced 59 deaths for the year 2017/18, the third highest recorded in the country.

Of these, 16 deaths were self-inflicted, 30 due to natural causes and one due to homicide. Three deaths were classed as accidental, and the remaining nine were unclassified.

The Ministry of Justice has said it is important to note the difficulties in obtaining conclusive information about an offender’s cause of death. Whilst the primary role of probation is to protect the public and prevent reoffending, it does not have sole responsibility for caring for offenders.

“Our probation reforms were a positive change for public safety, extending supervision and support to approximately 40,000 extra offenders each year – nearly 20% more than in 2014,” a spokesman said.

“This significant increase in volume, along with the rising age of offenders and improved recording practices, means a great deal of caution is needed when trying to draw conclusions from this data.

“We are investing an extra £22m in ‘through-the-gate’ assistance for offenders, to help them find the support they need on issues such as housing, healthcare and employment, and they have the same access to these services as any other person in the community.”

The Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company has been contacted for comment.