Cross examination of clinicians at coroners' inquests following deaths in custody

Purpose - This article draws upon the international literature to focus on the investigation of prisoner deaths in England and Wales, concentrating on clinician involvement in this process. Design/methodology/approach - This is a viewpoint paper regarding clinician involvement in coroner investigations of prisoner deaths in England and Wales. Findings - Compared to colleagues practising in the community, the authors suggest that there is a higher burden of investigation upon clinicians practicing in secure environments and recommend improved training for prison clinicians regarding expectations of the coroner's inquest and also a system whereby questioning in coroners' courts is directed through the coroner. Originality/value - This paper provides an updated perspective on the issue of coroner investigations following a death in prison custody, from the position of practising prison clinicians.