provided by: INQUEST
published: 1 October 2012
A week after the appointment of the Chief Coroner, HHJ Peter Thornton, and at a time of renewed interest in the coronial system following the publication of the report of the Hillsborough panel, INQUEST launches a groundbreaking new report ‘Learning from Death in Custody Inquests: A New Framework for Action and Accountability’.
The report highlights the serious flaws in the learning process following an inquest into a death in custody or following contact with state agents.
In the report INQUEST’s co-directors Deborah Coles and Helen Shaw argue that the absence of a mechanism to capture and act upon the rich seam of data available from well conducted and costly inquests leads to unnecessary further loss of life.
This clip appeared on BBC West Midlands news following the announcement that police and other bodies can now be prosecuted over deaths in custody in England and Wales. 
Police and other authorities can now be prosecuted over deaths in custody in England, Scotland and Wales. Legislation which has now come into effect means police forces, the MoD, UK Border Agency and private firms managing people held in custody can be prosecuted for corporate manslaughter. 