Suicides Account for Over Half of Inmate Deaths
From 2014 to 2021, slightly more than half of all inmates who died while in the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons passed away by suicide, according to a report by the Justice Department Inspector General. Out of the 344 inmates who died, 187 took their own lives.
Systemic Failures and Contraband Behind Bars
The inspector general’s nearly 100-page report highlighted staffing shortages, inadequate mental health care, and the prevalence of contraband as key factors contributing to these tragic deaths.
High-Profile Cases Bring Attention to the Issue
The report gained attention following the high-profile deaths of mobster James “Whitey” Bulger in 2018 and financier Jeffery Epstein in 2019, shedding light on the urgent need for reform within the federal prison system.
Need for Immediate Reforms
The report identified critical shortcomings in managing at-risk inmates, emphasizing the necessity for improved training, stricter protocols, and enhanced technology within the Bureau of Prisons to prevent future tragedies.
