Fact Check: People die in custody in jails and prisons across the U.S.

Fact Check: "People die in custody in jails and prisons across the U.S."

What We Know

The claim that "people die in custody in jails and prisons across the U.S." is supported by various data sources and reports. The Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) mandates that states report deaths occurring in custody, which includes individuals detained, under arrest, or incarcerated in various facilities. According to data collected under this act, there have been numerous reported deaths in custody across the United States from fiscal years 2020 to 2023 (source-1).

The National Institute of Justice also confirms that it collects records of deaths from all state prison systems, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and about 2,800 local jail jurisdictions. This data collection has been ongoing and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of deaths in custody (source-2). Furthermore, the Bureau of Justice Statistics has reported on the number of inmate deaths in state correctional facilities and local jails since the implementation of the DCRA in 2000 (source-3).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as multiple authoritative sources confirm that deaths do occur in custody in jails and prisons. The DCRA data collection provides a structured approach to reporting these incidents, although it is important to note that there are acknowledged gaps in reporting and potential inaccuracies due to varying state practices (source-1).

The National Institute of Justice's extensive data collection from multiple jurisdictions further substantiates the claim, indicating a systematic effort to track and understand the circumstances surrounding these deaths (source-2). However, while the data is collected, the completeness and accuracy of the reports are subject to the reliability of state and local agencies, which may vary significantly.

Moreover, a recent investigation highlighted by USA TODAY revealed that there are indeed significant numbers of deaths in custody, including those from overdoses and homicides, further validating the claim (source-7).

Overall, while the data collection process has its limitations, the consistent reporting of deaths in custody from multiple credible sources provides a strong basis for the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "people die in custody in jails and prisons across the U.S." is substantiated by multiple reliable sources, including the DCRA, the National Institute of Justice, and investigations into prison deaths. The data indicates that deaths do occur in these facilities, confirming the accuracy of the claim.