NSW Coroner’s Report: Alarming Rise in Deaths in Custody and Police Operations

A recent coroner's report has shed light on a concerning trend in New South Wales, Australia, with a record number of deaths in custody and police operations in 2025. The report, released by State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan, highlights a significant increase in fatalities, with 66 deaths recorded, 18 more than the previous year.

The report reveals a disturbing pattern, with almost a quarter of prisoner deaths attributed to self-harm. Of the 39 deaths in custody, 12 were First Nations people, marking a record high for Indigenous deaths in custody. This statistic is particularly alarming, as it represents a 63% surge in Indigenous people on remand over the past five years.

The issue of self-harm is further exacerbated by the method of hanging, despite millions of dollars invested in removing ligature points from prison cells. The report notes that 9 out of the 39 custody deaths were due to intentional self-harm, with hanging being the primary method.

The coroner's report also raises concerns about deaths resulting from police operations. Twenty-seven deaths were attributed to police pursuits and containment efforts, with a third of these being crashes during high-speed chases. The coroner suggests that safeguards or qualifiers should be implemented before police engage in pursuits to prevent further fatalities.

Additionally, the report highlights the need for improved healthcare within prisons. The coroner noted that deaths from natural causes in custody may still lead to findings in inquests, indicating potential issues with the quality of care, treatment, or supervision.

This report serves as a call to action for authorities to address the underlying issues contributing to these tragic deaths and implement measures to prevent further loss of life.