It is a public shame on both the justice system and the PDRM that any death occurring in police custody can pass without an inquest being held. Calls on the new IGP to ensure that this negligence, to use the least provocative word, should cease permanently are both welcome and a test of sincerity

When any citizen, habitual offenders included, dies in Police custody an inquest should be mandatory, if only to allay any suspicion of wrongful treatment. Failure to do that merely increases distrust of the Police and so makes efficient policing more difficult. No police force can function effectively without public trust and support. Equally no IGP should need to be reminded of that basic fact.

So the pubic will welcome confirmation that police procedures have been altered to ensure that this happens.