Suicides are the Leading Cause of Jail Deaths

A story that came from National Public Radio (NPR) states that, from 2009 to 2015, jail deaths rose by 11%. The statistics they found showed that suicides are the leading cause of jail death. 

Recidivism is high in county jails, especially among people who abuse drugs and alcohol or have mental health issues. In fact, jails are, in effect, the largest detoxification centers in the nation. County jails are also the primary mental illness facility in the country. As a result of these things and more, death rates across the nation have increased at alarming levels.

County jails in Texas book more than 1 million inmates per year and inmate deaths are a rarity, per the Texas Tribune. Suicide was the cause of almost one-third – 140 –of approximately 500 custodial deaths that took place in county jails in Texas from 2009 through 2015. Most suicides were by hanging. Inmates used the means available to them to fashion ligatures: sheets, towels, blankets, mattress covers, socks, pants, shoelaces, bras, TV cables, telephone cords, and trash bags.

The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) began keeping track of custodial deaths in county jails only 14 years ago. As of September 1, 2009, county jails were required to inform the commission of custodial deaths within 24 hours.

Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5 of this continuing series.

Helping Texas jail detainees and their families with resources is one of the purposes of this website. There is no intention of suggesting that people or organizations have been involved in misdeeds.

–Guest Contributor