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Australian deaths in custody, 1980-1989. 2. Causes

D McDonald¹, N J Thomson

¹Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra, ACT.

The Medical Journal of Australia

|November 1, 1993

Summary

Deaths in Australian police or prison custody were primarily due to self-harm. This highlights critical safety and health service needs within custodial settings, especially for Aboriginal individuals.

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Area of Science:

Forensic medicine
Public health
Criminology

Background:

Understanding mortality patterns within custodial settings is crucial for public safety and correctional reform.
Disparities in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals in custody require specific attention.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the causes of death among individuals in Australian police and prison custody.
To analyze differences in mortality causes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in custody.

Main Methods:

A retrospective analysis of deaths in Australian police and prison custody.
Data collected over a 10-year period (1980-1989).

Main Results:

527 deaths occurred in custody between 1980 and 1989.
Self-harm, predominantly hanging, accounted for approximately half of all deaths.
Other significant causes included circulatory diseases, injuries, and respiratory diseases.

Conclusions:

High rates of self-harm deaths necessitate improved safety measures in custodial facilities.
Reducing the number of individuals in custody is a key preventive strategy.
Enhanced health screening and services are vital, with particular focus on the elevated health risks faced by Aboriginal people in custody.

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