Who Investigates Illinois Jail Deaths?

In Illinois, the investigation of deaths occurring in county jails involves multiple governmental entities.

Sheriff’s Office Responsibilities

When a death occurs in custody, the respective county sheriff’s office is primarily responsible for conducting an internal investigation. State law mandates that the sheriff’s office reports the death to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) within 30 days, providing details such as the decedent’s demographics and the circumstances surrounding the death.  Take a look at this link – ilga.gov

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA)

The ICJIA serves as the central repository for data on deaths in custody. It collects reports from law enforcement agencies statewide and publishes annual reports evaluating trends and information on these incidents. The ICJIA also makes individual reports available to the public through its website, updated quarterly.  Here is a link – icjia.illinois.gov

Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)

For deaths occurring within county jails, the IDOC’s Jail and Detention Standards Unit plays a crucial role. This unit oversees county jails and ensures compliance with state regulations. It collaborates with the ICJIA by providing data on in-custody deaths, contributing to statewide reporting and analysis.  Link here – icjia.illinois.gov

Illinois State Police

In certain cases, especially those involving potential criminal conduct or use of force, the Illinois State Police may conduct independent investigations. Their involvement ensures an unbiased examination of the circumstances surrounding a death in custody.

Contact Information

For more information or to report a death in custody, you can contact the following agencies:

• Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA)

  • Website: https://icjia.illinois.gov 
  • Email: CJA.ResearchHub@Illinois.gov 

• Illinois Department of Corrections, Jail and Detention Standards Unit

  • Website: https://idoc.illinois.gov 

• Illinois State Police

  • Website: https://isp.illinois.gov

Written By: Dean Malone

Dean Malone

Dean Malone is the founder of Law Offices of Dean Malone, P.C., a jail neglect civil rights law firm. Mr. Malone earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Texas at Dallas, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, and from Baylor University School of Law with a general civil litigation concentration. Mr. Malone served in several staff positions for the Baylor Law Review, including executive editor. Mr. Malone is an experienced trial lawyer, trying a number of cases to jury verdict and also handling arbitrations through final hearing. He heads the jail neglect section of his law firm, in which lawyers litigate cases involving serious injury and death resulting from jail neglect and abuse. Lawyers frequently refer cases to Mr. Malone due to his focus on this very complicated civil rights practice area.