Fact Check: Deaths in custody can occur in jails and prisons.

Fact Check: "Deaths in custody can occur in jails and prisons."

What We Know

Deaths in custody, including those occurring in jails and prisons, are a documented phenomenon. According to a study published in 2023, there were approximately 10.3 million admissions to over 3,000 jails in the U.S. in 2019, and mortality rates in jails have been rising, with an increase of about 11% from 2000 to 2019 (Adler et al.). The report highlights that suicides were the leading cause of death in jails, with rates exceeding the national average (Adler et al.).

In state and federal prisons, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that a total of 3,853 prisoners died in state prisons in 2019, which indicates that deaths in custody are not limited to jails but also occur in prisons (Bureau of Justice Statistics). The causes of these deaths vary and include natural causes, suicides, and homicides, as outlined in various reports on mortality in correctional settings (Bureau of Justice Statistics, Understanding and Reducing Deaths in Custody).

Analysis

The claim that "deaths in custody can occur in jails and prisons" is supported by substantial evidence from multiple credible sources. The study by Adler et al. provides a comprehensive overview of mortality rates in jails, noting that certain demographic groups, particularly Black individuals, face higher risks of death due to health disparities exacerbated by incarceration (Adler et al.). This source is reliable as it is published in a peer-reviewed journal and utilizes data from reputable organizations like the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics also provides data on deaths in custody, detailing the number of deaths and their causes in both state and federal facilities (Bureau of Justice Statistics). This source is authoritative, as it is a government agency responsible for collecting and analyzing crime and justice data. Furthermore, the report on understanding and reducing deaths in custody outlines the different contexts in which these deaths occur, reinforcing the claim that such events are prevalent in both jails and prisons (Understanding and Reducing Deaths in Custody).

While the data indicates a concerning trend in mortality rates, it is important to note that the context of these deaths varies significantly between jails and prisons. Jails often house individuals awaiting trial, many of whom may have not been convicted of any crime, and this population tends to have higher health risks (Adler et al.). In contrast, prisons typically contain individuals serving longer sentences, which may influence the causes of death reported.

Conclusion

The claim that "deaths in custody can occur in jails and prisons" is True. The evidence from multiple studies and reports confirms that deaths do indeed occur in both jails and prisons, with various causes contributing to these fatalities. The rising mortality rates, particularly in jails, highlight significant health and safety issues within the correctional system.