pexels-ron-lach-10475008New Study By Non-Profit Reveals Hundreds of In-Custody Deaths in Inland Empire Jails Over the Last Decade

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (November 25, 2024) – An estimated 442 people have died in custody across the Inland Empire from 2011 to 2022, according to a new report by a non-profit.

The report was issued in early October by Care First California. The lives lost include 216 deaths in San Bernardino County and 226 deaths in Riverside County. During that same period, an estimated 2,312 people died in custody across all California jails.

According to the study, the most dangerous period for inmates is before they get through trial. Nearly one quarter of all deaths took place during the first week in jail.

In other words, a large portion of suspects die before they are even convicted of the crimes that they are being held on. There were a number of common causes of death mentioned in the report, including suicide, overdoses, disruption of medication, and injuries sustained during arrest.


Legal Considerations For Inland Empire Inmate Deaths

Thousands of people die from preventable causes while in custody every year in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, “On average, about 1.40 deaths occurred annually per 1,000 incarcerated people. About 0.62 deaths per 1,000 incarcerated people were illness-related deaths, 0.53 were suicides, and 0.15 were acute drug- or alcohol-related deaths. Accidents or homicides were less common (0.03 deaths each).” Jails should take a number of measures in order to prevent inmate deaths.

  • All inmates should get a health screening when they are first admitted.
  • Jails should have plenty of well-trained medical staff.
  • Jails should go through regular audits from outside agencies.

When the state assumes control of a person’s autonomy through incarceration, certain constitutional standards will apply. Among other things, inmates must receive adequate medical care for all of their conditions. Failing to give inmates medical care is considered a form of cruel and unusual punishment and thus a violation of their rights to equal protection and due process. Several factors could contribute to an inmate not getting the medical care that they need while in custody.

  • Jails can be awful places to work at. It is common for them to have high turnover rates. This leads to them being staffed with lots of people who are relatively inexperienced.
  • The high turnover rates can lead jails to be understaffed. This means that there are often fewer staff to provide safety and medical services.
  • A jail may not have the medical equipment that it needs to take care of inmates.

There are lots of other potential causes of inmate death besides medical neglect. In particular, jails are often very violent places. Inmates may die from attacks at the hands of other inmates. In many cases, inmates may die from the excessive force of correctional officers. The family of any inmate who died in custody may have legal recourse through a civil claim.


Investigating Inland Empire In-Custody Deaths

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to all of the families who have lost someone in the Inland Empire. There needs to be a thorough investigation into all of these jails. State officials should do their part and ensure that constitutional standards are being followed. Going to jail should never become a death sentence due to neglect.

Have you or someone that you care about been harmed while staying in an Inland Empire jail? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.

 

 

 

legal disclaimer
Legal Disclaimer