A total of nine people have died after being in contact with Avon and Somerset Police last year, the joint fourth highest number in the country compared to other police forces.
The new data comes from the Independent Office for Police Conduct's (IOPC) annual report into deaths during or following police contact, including forces across the country.
The report includes deaths after recent contact with the police force that occurred between April 1, 2025, and March 31 2026, which in Avon and Somerset's force area includes four apparent suicides after custody, and five fatalities listed as 'other deaths'.
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The IOPC includes suicides that occurred "within two days of release from police custody" or longer when "the time spent in custody may be relevant to the death".
The data shows a total of four apparent suicides after contact with Avon and Somerset Police in the time period, the joint-third highest of any force in the country, and equal to the figures in the Lancashire and Metropolitan police forces.
There were also five 'other deaths following police contact', the joint-highest rate in the country alongside the Metropolitan, Hampshire and Merseyside forces.
Incidents listed as 'other deaths following police contact' is made up of other fatalities that were subject to an independent investigation but didn't involve arrest or detention under the Mental Health Act.
This includes deaths from self-inflicted injury from an individual attempting to avoid arrest, or following siege situations or reports of domestic violence and welfare issues.
There were no deaths in the Avon and Somerset force area related to road traffic incidents, fatal shootings or deaths during custody during the time period.
Avon and Somerset Police say they welcome independent scrutiny and transparency
The constabulary says it takes seriously its obligation to safeguard suspects after their release from custody, and all death following police contact are referred to the IOPC, who consider whether an investigation is required.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police explained: "If an investigation is deemed appropriate, the IOPC will decide whether to take it on independently or if it is suitable for local investigation by the relevant police service.
"This process can lead to areas for learning and improvement being identified that we would put into practice."
“An IOPC referral does not necessarily mean any wrongdoing is suspected, but crucially ensures there is always independent scrutiny of the actions taken by police.
"We welcome that because it is in the best interests of grieving families and enables complete transparency."
Reacting to the 2025/6 deaths data, Avon and Somerset Police said: “Sadly, there were four instances in 2025/26 where a person died shortly after being released having been detained and each was referred to the IOPC.
"The IOPC decided all four cases were suitable to be returned to Avon and Somerset Police without a formal direction to investigate."
“One of those cases remains a live investigation. We found there were no issues identified requiring investigation in the other three cases.”
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