Title: Study Reveals 77% Increase in Prison Deaths During COVID-19 Crisis
A recent study on US prison deaths during the height of the Covid-19 crisis in 2020 has uncovered alarming findings, with a 77% increase in mortality rates compared to the previous year. Published in Science Advances, this comprehensive analysis sheds light on the impact of the pandemic in custodial settings.
The research, led by Naomi Sugie, collected data from record requests and publicly available information from 49 state and federal departments of corrections. It identified Covid-19 as the primary driver behind the rise in mortality due to natural causes. Furthermore, some states experienced notable increases in deaths from unnatural causes.
Sugie highlighted that the study’s findings underscore the lack of understanding regarding the actual impact of Covid-19 within the prison system. The research was initially prompted by witnessing dire conditions and potential human rights violations in California prisons.
Interestingly, the study found a lack of publicly available information on prison mortality rates since 2019, despite the existence of the Death in Custody Reporting Act. This act, enacted to ensure transparency and accountability, has seemingly failed to adequately capture the true extent of prison deaths in recent years.
According to the Bureau of Justice statistics in 2022, approximately 2,500 prisoners died of Covid-related causes between March 2020 and February 2021. It is important to note, however, that this number does not account for increases in natural or unnatural deaths, as indicated by the study.
The authors of the research attribute the steep increase in mortality rates to systemic failures within the prison system. These failures increased the risk of illness among inmates, while simultaneously limiting access to medical care. Additionally, pandemic-related lockdowns and restrictions, such as isolation, visitor prohibitions, and solitary confinement, were found to exacerbate stress, mental health challenges, and violence. Ultimately, these factors contributed to a higher risk of unnatural deaths, including drug overdoses, suicide, and violence.
It is worth mentioning that many Covid-related deaths in prisons might not have been officially recorded as such. The lack of systematic testing during the pandemic raises concerns about underreporting and the true scale of the crisis.
This groundbreaking study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and correctional authorities, stressing the urgent need for effective measures to safeguard the lives of inmates during both pandemics and ordinary times. It highlights the necessity of increased transparency, improved healthcare access, and the implementation of evidence-based strategies to mitigate the risks faced by incarcerated individuals.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”