The risk matrix : drug-related deaths in prisons in England and Wales, 2015-2020

Duke, Karen L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2567-4218, Gleeson, Helen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0505-5281, MacGregor, Susanne and Thom, Betsy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4975-7613 (2023) The risk matrix : drug-related deaths in prisons in England and Wales, 2015-2020. Journal of Community Psychology, 2023 . ISSN 0090-4392 [Article] (Published online first) (doi:10.1002/jcop.22989)

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Abstract

Aims: This article explores the factors contributing to drug-related deaths in English and Welsh prisons between 2015-2020.
Methods: Based on content analysis of all Prison and Probation Ombudsman ‘other non-natural’ fatal incident investigation reports, descriptive statistics were generated. Qualitative analysis explored the circumstances surrounding deaths and key risk factors.
Results: Most deaths were of men, whose mean age was 39 years. Drug toxicity was a main factor in causing death, exacerbated by underlying physical health conditions and risk-taking behaviours. A variety of substances were involved. New psychoactive substances became more important over time. A high proportion had recorded histories of substance use and mental illness. During this period, the prison system was under considerable stress creating dangerous environments for drug-related harm.
Conclusion: This study highlights the process of complex interaction between substances used, individual characteristics, situational features and the wider environment in explaining drug-related deaths in prisons. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

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