‘Profoundly distressing’: record number of deaths in custody and police operations in NSW
A record 66 deaths occurred in custody and during police operations in New South Wales in 2025, an increase of 18 from the previous year, according to the state coroner's report. Among the 39 deaths in custody, 12 were First Nations people, marking a record high and prompting concern over systemic issues. The report highlighted ongoing challenges, including deaths by self-harm, police pursuits, and unresolved causes, despite efforts to improve safety in prisons.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
There were 39 deaths in NSW custody in 2025. Of those, 12 were First Nations people, also a record high. Photograph: Paul Miller/AAPView image in fullscreenThere were 39 deaths in NSW custody in 2025. Of those, 12 were First Nations people, also a record high. Photograph: Paul Miller/AAPDeaths in custody‘Profoundly distressing’: record number of deaths in custody and police operations in NSWThere were 66 deaths in custody and police operations in 2025 – 18 more than the previous yearWarning: This article contains references to Indigenous Australians who have diedJordyn BeazleyFri 1 May 2026 02.15 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 02.26 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThere were a record number of New South Wales deaths in custody and police operations last year, with almost a…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from World news | The Guardian
