NCJ Number
222003
Date Published
2008
Length
132 pages
Annotation
This report presents information on deaths that have occurred in police, prison, and juvenile custody in Australian States and Territories in calendar year 2006.
Abstract
Fifty-four deaths occurred in custody in 2006: 31 in prisons, 22 in police custody and custody-related operations, and 1 in juvenile detention. Eleven of the deaths involved Indigenous persons in custody: 4 in prison, 6 in police custody and custody-related operations, and 1 in juvenile detention. Forty-eight men and 5 women died in prison or police custody and custody-related operations: 30 men and 1 woman in prison, 18 men and 4 women in police custody and custody-related operations, and 1 man in juvenile detention. The average age of persons who died in prison custody was 50 years old, with most of the deceased being 55 years old or older. Those who died in police custody and custody-related operations averaged 31 years old, with most being between 25 and 39 years old. There were seven hanging deaths (two Indigenous persons) in prison and no hanging deaths in police custody and custody-related operations. Ten deaths occurred in the course of motor vehicle pursuits, with 4 of these deaths involving Indigenous persons; and 2 deaths resulted from police shootings (non-Indigenous individuals). Violent offenses were the most serious offenses committed just prior to the final period of custody in prison deaths, and violent and theft-related offenses were most common for those who died in police custody and custody-related operations. Data on long-term trends for deaths in custody in Australian States and Territories are presented for the 1980-2006 period (prison deaths only) and between 1990 and 2006 (for police custody and custody-related operations). 78 tables, 16 figures, and 46 references