Title: How often do prisoners die behind bars? - The Washington Post
Headings: How often do prisoners die behind bars?
How often do prisoners die behind bars?
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Content: fear of the unknown, distrust of an authoritarian environment, perceived lack of control over the future, isolation from family and significant others, shame of incarceration, and perceived dehumanizing aspects of incarceration. In addition, certain factors are prevalent among inmates facing a crisis situation that could predispose them to suicide: recent excessive drinking and/or drug use, recent loss of stabilizing resources, severe guilt or shame over the alleged offense, current mental illness, prior history of suicidal behavior, and approaching court date. In addition, some inmates simply are (or become) ill equipped to handle the common stresses of confinement. The report goes on to note that to prevent suicides, personnel need additional training, constant observation for people on suicide watch and a better screening process. In Texas, the screening process has come under fire as officials released documents with contradictory answers to the question of whether Bland had attempted suicide before, confusion that a Waller County assistant district attorney said likely explained the decision not to place her on suicide watch. The World Health Organization says that communication among different staff members is crucial, adding that additional screening and observation are also necessary. Advertisement
[ Report: While in jail, Bland left a voicemail saying she was at “a loss for words"]
Beyond suicide, thousands of people are dying behind bars each year, as the prison population has exploded over the last few decades. Story continues below advertisement
There are about 2.2 million people incarcerated in jails and prisons, a number that is more than four times the population in 1980 .