Christopher Talbot

For the attention of the Governor (1) The Supervising Officer on duty at Reception when Mr Talbot arrived had never received training in her duties but merely gained experience by shadowing another officer. It did not appear that any written material was provided so as to inform her of her duties, including the PSI “Early Days In Custody, Reception In, First Night In Custody And Induction To Custody” or a guidance document summarising the main provisions of the PSI. Lack of such written material and reliance solely on shadowing as a means of training might bring about a position where bad habits are proliferated or important considerations missed.

(2) A Senior Officer gave mouth to mouth resuscitation to Mr Talbot without the use of a guard. It is understood that although mandatory for more junior officers at HMP Preston, carrying a breathing guard at all times is discretionary for certain senior grades. Lack of such a guard might put an officer in personal danger when attempting to revive a prisoner or dissuade that officer from intervening, with potential adverse consequences for the prisoner.

(3) It is understood that following the death of a prisoner a notice to this effect is issued to the prisoners and staff but that staff are not informed of the manner of an unnatural death. Thus, it appeared that staff attending to give evidence at the inquest were unaware of another recent previous death involving a plastic bag, knowledge of which might have led to extra vigilance in the case of Mr Talbot, when as a vulnerable prisoner, he was observed holding a plastic bag. For the attention of the Secretary of State for Justice / Prisons Minister Following the investigation into the death of Mr Talbot by the Prisons and Probation Service Ombudsman a recommendation was made to the Governor at HMP Preston, which was accepted This was to the effect that night staff who have concerns about the behaviour of a prisoner identified as at risk of suicide or self-harm, should request immediate assistance, clearly stating the nature of the risk and keeping the prisoner under observation until help arrives. The Governor implemented the recommendation by issuing a written local instruction. You are asked to consider whether such an instruction might be issued nationally.