The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is carrying out Operation Deerness – a special investigation into abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre.
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
We investigate deaths in custody, and complaints from people who are in custody or under community supervision. We are a completely independent organisation.
Complaint investigations
Every month, we receive hundreds of complaints from prisoners, people on probation or those in immigration detention. Read more about who can complain, what we can and cannot investigate, as well as check details of successful complaints.
Find out more about complaint investigations
Death investigations
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman launches an independent investigation whenever anyone dies in custody in England and Wales. We aim to help organisations improve how they work and to give families reassurance about how their loved one was treated.
Find out more about death investigations
Learning lessons
The depth and breadth of our investigations give us great insights into many different aspects of the prison, probation and immigration services. We regularly publish reports and articles containing information, statistics, and trends we have observed.
Find out more about research and learning
Latest news
An independent organisation
Independence lies at the core of the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Find out more about our people, how we were formed and what we value.
Subscribe for PPO updates
If you would like to receive email updates please sign up to our mailing list.