Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) investigates complaints from prisoners, young people in detention (prisons and secure training centres), those on probation and individuals detained under immigration powers (detained individuals). It also investigates all deaths that occur among prisoners, young people in detention, detained individuals and approved premises’ residents due to any cause. The PPO also investigates the deaths of recently released prisoners that occur within 14 days of release (except homicide).

The purpose of these investigations is to understand what happened, to correct injustices and to identify learning for the organisations whose actions the PPO oversee so they make a significant contribution to safer, fairer custody and offender supervision.

PPO works with the Ministry of Justice.