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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
This is a RCIADIC recommendation
46
Uniform methodology for deaths in custody surveys
That the national deaths in custody surveys which I have recommended be undertaken by the Australian Institute of Criminology include the establishment of uniform procedures and methodologies which would not only enhance the state of knowledge in this area but also facilitate the making of comparisons between Australian and other jurisdictions, and facilitate communication of research findings.
Aboriginal Justice Caucus Assessment
The intent of Recommendation 46 was to establish a uniform and reliable methodology for collecting data on deaths in custody across all jurisdictions. The Aboriginal Justice Caucus (AJC) noted that actions taken align with this intent. The Australian Institute of Criminology developed a standardised data collection template in consultation with police and correctional agencies nationwide, ensuring consistent data collection and enabling comparisons between states and territories. The National Deaths in Custody Program also uses the National Coronial Information System to verify primary data, with a confirmation process involving data providers to maintain accuracy before publication.
The AJC emphasised that responsibility for this recommendation lies primarily with the Commonwealth Government, with state governments required to provide data in accordance with agreed standards.
Priority for Further Work:
Low
Relevance and potential impact | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low (0-2) | Moderate (3-4) | High (5-6) | |||
Extent of action taken and evidence of outcomes | High (5-6) | ||||
Moderate (3-4) | |||||
Low (0-2) | |||||
Background
The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) identified a significant challenge in criminological research as the lack of consistency and comparability in data collected across different jurisdictions. Differences in definitions, data collection methods, recording practices, and reporting standards made it difficult to accurately compare trends or assess the effectiveness of laws, policies, and practices nationwide. This hindered the ability of researchers, policymakers, and oversight bodies to monitor systemic issues, particularly those affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in custody, and to evaluate whether reforms were having their intended impact.
Actions Taken Since Last Review
Australian Institute of Criminology
The Australian Institute of Criminology’s National Deaths in Custody Program (NDICP) systematically records information on deaths in prison and police custody using standardised data collection templates developed in consultation with police and correctional agencies across jurisdictions. This approach enables consistent data gathering and national comparisons. The NDICP verifies data through the National Coronial Information System and confirms data with providers to ensure accuracy before releasing any information. In 2021, the AIC reconciled historical Indigenous status data with corrections departments and police forces in multiple jurisdictions to further strengthen data integrity and consistency. This process was finalised prior to releasing the Deaths in Custody in Australia 2021-22 report.
Impact
Outputs
Based on the methodology used to collect this information from states and territories, the data collected is comparable across jurisdictions.
Outcomes
The AIC developed a standardised data collection template in consultation with custodial agencies across jurisdictions and implemented a strict verification process using the National Coronial Information System to confirm data accuracy, with annual confirmations from data providers before releasing information on deaths in custody.