Frank Compton was found unresponsive in his cell in the Baxter County jail in Arkansas. Mr. Compton was allegedly arrested for suspicion of public intoxication and criminal trespass. We are uncertain as to what caused Mr. Compton’s death and make no allegation of any wrongdoing against anyone in this post. Instead, we are providing general information.
If jailers are aware that a person is significantly intoxicated, whether by drugs or alcohol, jailers, and the city or county for which they work, might be constitutionally obligated to use appropriate detoxification efforts. If jailers, cities, and/or counties fail to do so, they might be liable to family members who survived a deceased prisoner. Such claims are usually brought pursuant to a federal statute – 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
