Prison checklist – Death in custody

This form is not an official document and is intended as a guide only, to assist prison staff (Discovering Officer(s), Senior Officer/OIC and Superintendents) with their duties and required actions in the event of a Death in Custody.

Discovering Officer(s)

1. / Upon discovery:
  • Raise Code RedAlarm and call for assistance
/ YesNo
2. / During lockup hours:
  • If possible try to communicate with prisoner, offer reassurance
  • Ensure you check for any danger to yourself and others
  • Await Senior Officer attendance with key (if applicable)
Self harm by hanging:
  • Immediately cut the body down, supporting the head and neck as much as possible (two officer preferred)
  • Lower the body to the ground
  • Remove/cut noose leaving the knot intact where possible
  • For self-harm other than by hanging, refer below.
During unlock and lock up hours, for any type of apparent death including by hanging:
  • Ensure you check for danger to yourself and others
  • Check for signs of life if possible
  • Commence first aid and CPR, until medical assistance (paramedics, doctor or nurse) attend and take over
  • Ensure that an ambulance is called immediately, even when the prisoner exhibits no apparent signs of life
During unlock hours only:
Utilisation of prisoners to provide assistance, if insufficient officers available / YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
3. / Once prisoner confirmed deceased:
  • Preserve crime scene and evidence within limits of efforts made to save life
  • Follow instructions from OIC
  • Assist OIC to:
  • Secure and preserve the scene/cell
  • Remove all non-essential personnel
/ YesNo
YesNo
YesNo
YesNo

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