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Deaths in police custody.
Steffen Heide1, Theodore Chan2
1Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital, Halle/S., Germany.
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|May 27, 2018
Summary
Deaths in police custody are a public concern. Causes vary globally, with natural illnesses common in the U.S. and non-natural causes prevalent in Europe, necessitating further research for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Public Health
- Criminology
Background:
- Deaths in police custody generate significant public interest and controversy regarding causation.
- Systematic investigations exist but lack uniform definitions and criteria, limiting cross-national comparability.
- Existing data show variations in death rates by age and gender, with male dominance attributed to lower female custody rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and compare causes of death in police custody across different regions.
- To identify patterns and risk factors associated with custody deaths.
- To highlight the need for standardized methodologies and further research to inform preventative strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of existing systematic investigations and data on deaths in police custody from Europe, North America, and Australia.
- Review of reported causes of death, including natural illnesses, suicides, and deaths related to substance use or trauma.
- Examination of demographic factors such as age and gender in relation to custody death rates.
Main Results:
- In the U.S., natural illnesses (heart disease, cancer) and suicides are leading causes of custody death.
- European countries show a predominance of non-natural deaths, often linked to alcohol, drugs, medications, suicide, injury, and trauma.
- Male predominance in custody deaths is primarily due to fewer women being taken into police custody globally.
Conclusions:
- Causes of death in police custody exhibit significant regional variations.
- Standardized definitions and investigation protocols are crucial for comparable and reliable data.
- Further systematic research is essential to develop effective preventative measures for reducing deaths in the custody population.
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