About: Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is a public body, in England and Wales, appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice to investigate complaints from prisoners, those subject to probation supervision, young people in detention (prisons and secure training centres) and immigration detainees. The organisation is also responsible for investigating all deaths of prisoners, young people in detention, approved premises’ residents and immigration detainees due to any cause, including any apparent suicides and natural causes. The PPO also investigates deaths of recently released prisoners or detainees, using their discretionary powers. Originally the PPO had no jurisdiction over the investigation of deaths in prisons or probation hostels.