Who Investigates Jail Deaths?
Understanding the Sandra Bland Act and the Importance of Independent Investigations in Jail Deaths
Introduction
The tragic death of Sandra Bland in a Texas jail in 2015 sparked nationwide outrage and led to the passage of the Sandra Bland Act in 2017. While this law introduced several reforms aimed at preventing jail deaths, one of its most critical aspects is the requirement for independent investigations of custodial deaths. Families of those who die in jails—whether due to suicide, alleged natural causes, or other reasons—deserve a fair, transparent, and unbiased inquiry. This article explores the Sandra Bland Act, the need for independent investigations, and why they are essential even in cases of supposed natural deaths.
Who Was Sandra Bland?
Sandra Bland was a 28-year-old woman who was arrested during a traffic stop in Waller County, Texas, in July 2015. Three days later, she was found dead in her jail cell, with authorities ruling her death as a suicide. However, her arrest and the circumstances surrounding her death raised serious questions about law enforcement accountability, jail conditions, and the treatment of individuals in custody. The case became a catalyst for discussions on alleged police misconduct and the need for systemic reforms in jails across the country.
What Is the Sandra Bland Act?
The Sandra Bland Act, signed into law in 2017, aims to address issues related to jail deaths and law enforcement accountability. The law includes provisions for:
- Mental health screenings for individuals booked into jail
- De-escalation training for law enforcement officers
- Changes in jail standards to ensure better treatment of inmates
- Independent investigations of jail deaths by an outside agency
While the law represents a step forward, one of its most vital components is the requirement that an outside agency investigates any custodial death. This provision is crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement and corrections facilities.
The Need for Independent Investigations in Jail Deaths
The importance of independent investigations in jail deaths—whether classified as suicides, homicides, or natural causes—cannot be overstated. Families often face immense difficulty obtaining truthful answers from jail authorities, and conflicts of interest arise when the same agency responsible for an inmate’s care and protection is also tasked with investigating his or her death.
Preventing Conflicts of Interest
When a law enforcement agency investigates its own officers and staff, there is an inherent conflict of interest. If jail authorities are responsible for an inmate’s care and well-being, they may not be objective in assessing whether their negligence or constitutional violations contributed to a death. An independent agency ensures that findings are not influenced by efforts to protect the facility or its employees.
Ensuring Transparency and Public Trust
For families who have lost a loved one in jail, a lack of transparency adds to their grief. Many feel that their loved one’s death is quickly dismissed without thorough investigation. Independent investigations help build public trust by ensuring that deaths are not hastily categorized without a proper forensic and medical examination.
Detecting Systemic Issues
When outside agencies conduct investigations, they may uncover patterns of neglect, abuse, or systemic failures within the jail system. Repeated cases of medical neglect, inadequate supervision, or failure to respond to medical emergencies become apparent when analyzed by an impartial entity.
Challenging the Classification of Natural Deaths
One of the most concerning aspects of jail deaths is the high rate of cases classified as “natural deaths.” Often, these deaths are attributed to pre-existing medical conditions, but a closer examination sometimes reveals that medical neglect played a role. Many individuals who enter jail with manageable health conditions—such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma—die due to lack of proper medical care. Our jail death law firm sees these types of cases on a regular basis.
Why “Natural Death” Classifications Must Be Scrutinized
While some jail deaths are indeed due to natural causes, others result from inadequate medical attention, failure to provide timely care, or prolonged neglect. Families should be aware that even when a death is labeled “natural,” it does not necessarily mean that the jail was not responsible in some way. Jails must provide medical care to seriously ill inmates.
Medical Neglect in Jails
Jails are often ill-equipped to handle chronic medical conditions, and staff may ignore or downplay an inmate’s health concerns. For example:
- An individual with severe asthma may be denied access to their inhaler.
- A diabetic inmate may not receive insulin in a timely manner.
- Someone with a heart condition may be ignored when they report chest pain. In such cases, while the death may be classified as natural, it was preventable with proper medical care.
Delays in Emergency Response
Many jails have a history of delayed responses to medical emergencies. There have been cases where inmates suffering from seizures, heart attacks, or strokes were left unattended for crucial minutes or hours, leading to death. An independent investigation can reveal whether jail staff acted appropriately and whether the death could have been prevented.
Lack of Proper Autopsies
Jails often attempt to control the narrative surrounding an inmate’s death, including influencing the outcome of an autopsy. When an independent forensic pathologist is not involved, crucial medical evidence may be overlooked. In some cases, families have had to pay for second autopsies to challenge questionable findings from initial reports.
The Role of Families in Seeking Justice
Families who lose a loved one in jail must often advocate for justice on their own, as the legal system may not automatically work in their favor. Understanding their rights and the importance of independent investigations can help them push for accountability.
Demanding Independent Autopsies
If a loved one dies in jail, families should consider requesting an independent autopsy. This can provide a second opinion on the cause of death and determine whether neglect played a role.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Many families turn to attorneys who specialize in civil rights and wrongful jail death cases. A legal expert can help navigate the complex legal landscape and push for further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Engaging with Advocacy Groups
Several organizations advocate for justice in custodial deaths. Groups such as the ACLU, the National Police Accountability Project, and local grassroots organizations can offer resources and support.
Legislative and Policy Changes Needed
While the Sandra Bland Act has brought improvements, there is still much work to be done to ensure independent investigations in all jail deaths, not just those classified as suspicious.
Strengthening Jail Oversight
Independent oversight boards should be established to monitor jail conditions and medical care. These boards should have the authority to recommend policy changes and hold jails accountable for misconduct.
Implementing More Rigorous Medical Standards
Jails should be required to meet higher medical care standards, ensuring that all inmates receive timely treatment for chronic conditions and medical emergencies.
Conclusion
The Sandra Bland Act was a landmark piece of legislation that acknowledged the need for systemic change in how jail deaths are investigated. However, without rigorous enforcement and expansion, many families will continue to face obstacles in uncovering the truth about their loved ones’ deaths. Independent investigations are critical in ensuring that no death in custody—whether classified as suicide, homicide, or natural—goes unquestioned. Families must continue advocating for transparency, justice, and meaningful reform to protect those who remain behind bars and honor the memories of those they have lost.
If you lost a loved one as a result of jail neglect, feel free to contact our firm. We have a team of experienced lawyers who fight daily for the families of those who wrongfully die in U.S. jails. Feel free to call, text, or complete our online form.
Dean Malone
Dean Malone