#1
#1 out of 1
world22h ago
‘Profoundly distressing’: record number of deaths in custody and police operations in NSW
- NSW reports 66 deaths in custody or police operations in 2025, the year’s total rising from 2024.
- Forty percent of 2025 deaths occurred in custody, with 12 Indigenous people among them—the highest Indigenous tally to date.
- A coroner says the milestone is profoundly distressing for families and communities.
- Self-harm remains a major cause, with almost a quarter of custody deaths due to self-harm.
- Corrections NSW reports progress removing ligature points as part of safety upgrades.
- Remand numbers among Indigenous people rose by 63% over five years.
- Half of Indigenous deaths in custody occurred while individuals were on remand.
- Twenty-seven deaths stemmed from police operations, including pursuits and restraint.
- Some deaths in custody lacked clear causes, prompting calls for toxicology testing.
- State authorities continue to review safeguards for police engagements and prisoner care.
Vote 0