The anticipation of an investigation: The effects of expecting investigations after a death from natural causes in prison custody

Abstract

The growing number of deaths from natural causes in prison custody adds urgency to the need to consider what influences the behaviour of prison staff towards dying prisoners. This article identifies the effects on prisoners, their families and prison staff of defining quality end-of-life care as that which meets the expected requirements of an anticipated post-death investigation. Using data collected in two English prisons via ethnographic methods, it explores the practical consequences, emotional effects and bureaucratisation of death arising from the anticipation of an investigation. Taking its lead from research participants, it focuses on the influence of anticipating an investigation by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman, but also the effects of expecting police and coronial investigations. Analysing responses to anticipating an investigation reveals consequences for the care of prisoners, their families and prison staff, which are arguably unintended by the investigating bodies.