Chapter 2 - Report of the Complaints, Monitoring and Inquiries Group according to the police, from a total of 242 deaths, only two were attributed to the police. The figures indicate there may be systemic problems in managing and handling detainees in police lock-ups. The Commission has also become the avenue for family members of the deceased and civil society groups to seek justice. The Commission therefore took the initiative to conduct a study on deaths in police custody. The study focuses not only on the rights and healthcare of detainees under custody but also on the welfare and rights of police personnel directly involved or in contact with the detainees. Since 2010, the number of death has been increasing from 9 to 20 deaths in 2013. However, according to the police, from a total of 242 deaths, only two were attributed to the police. (a) Objectives The overall objective of the study is to examine the circumstances surrounding deaths in custody, trends and common factors and to propose measures to prevent or reduce such incidents; it is not intended as a fault finding exercise. The objectives as summarised below are: i. To identify the factors and circumstances which contribute to death in custody; ii. To provide opinions and suggestions for improvements in law and policies; iii. To further improve and strengthen infrastructure and facilities for effective investigations; iv. To identify best practices in other countries that contribute to the reduction of deaths in custody; and v. To develop a training manual based on the findings and recommendations in order to impart the relevant knowledge to the police force. Observation on the condition of the lock-up by the Commission 39