This descriptive study analyzes 20 years of inmate mortality in municipal and county detention and corrections facilities. It is based primarily on documental research which examines 1) the content of official death records, 2) historical or comparative data on local jails and lockups, and 3) extant government statistics on inmate mortality and morbidity. Additional data were obtained from criminal justice agency files and from records of a community-based agency responsible for providing substance abuse and mental health treatment services for inmates. Although no single variable emerges a reliable predictor of in-custody deaths, certain sociolegal and demographic characteristics appear closely associated with such fatal occurrences. Findings suggest that the high mortality rate which occurs in local facilities could be reduced by improved inmate health care, proper training of custodial staff, and development of sensible operating policies.
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