Preventing and Reducing Deaths in Custody: Results from a Mixed-Methods Study

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel presents findings from the NIJ Death in Custody Reporting Act study designed to examine deaths occurring while in the custody of law enforcement agencies, jails, and prisons, and the factors that may help reduce such deaths. A multiphase study was conducted. The first phase entailed a national-level review of the prevalence and correlates of deaths in custody, including a review of the literature and secondary data analysis of existing data. The second phase entailed qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in multiple agencies across the U.S. This panel presents findings and recommendations based on the policy analysis and stakeholder interviews. Collectively, results from the quantitative and qualitative tasks can inform policies, programs, and practices aimed at preventing and reducing in-custody deaths.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 50. Challenging Criminal Justice Policies

Individual Presentations

• Practitioner Perspectives on Preventing and Reducing Arrest-Related Deaths - Duren Banks, RTI International

• Practitioner Perspectives on Preventing and Reducing Deaths in Jails - Michael Planty, RTI International

• Practitioner Perspectives on Preventing and Reducing Deaths in Prisons - Nicole Johnson, Research Triangle Institute

Chair

• Benjamin Adams, National Institute of Justice

Discussant

• Scott Mourtgos, University of South Carolina