NCJ Number
212535
Date Published
2005
Length
96 pages
Annotation
This report provides detailed information on deaths in prison and police custody in Australian States and Territories from 1980 through 2004.
Abstract
There were 67 deaths in custody in 2004 (39 in prison and 28 in police custody and custody-related events). Seven Indigenous persons died in prison and seven died in police custody. Fourteen hanging deaths (one Indigenous person) occurred in prison and 1 in police custody. Eight people died in police motor vehicle pursuits (two Indigenous persons), and six deaths resulted from police shootings (all non-Indigenous persons). All of the police shootings were assessed on review as justifiable homicide and all involved persons who had committed violent offenses immediately prior to the shooting. The total number of deaths in custody was the lowest recorded since 1992. A total of 1,095 deaths in prison have been recorded since 1980, and the deaths of non-Indigenous individuals have consistently outnumbered those of Indigenous persons. Deaths by hanging and natural causes have generally been the most common causes of deaths in prison between 1980 through 2004. The number of deaths in police custody and custody-related operations have remained relatively stable between 1990 and 2004, and the number of non-Indigenous persons who died over this period have been consistently higher than Indigenous deaths each year. Deaths from hanging while in police custody have fluctuated between zero and six each year. The most common cause of death while in police custody since 2000 has been external/multiple trauma. Accidents have been the most common means of death each year. There have been 127 recorded deaths during motor vehicle pursuits between 1990 and 2004. 88 tables, 11 figures, and appended aggregate data by jurisdiction