The possibility of dying in prison is a reality for many inmates, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. While a life sentence often means a term of 25 to 30 years, some violent crimes warrant a sentence of multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole, effectively ensuring that the inmate will die in prison. However, even inmates who are not serving a life sentence can still end up dying behind bars due to illness or violence.
Terminal illnesses such as cancer can be a death sentence for some inmates, and unfortunately, some may not receive proper medical care while incarcerated. Additionally, violence among inmates can also lead to fatalities, whether it be from fights or attacks by other inmates.
Contrary to popular belief, an inmate can be declared dead on prison grounds, but this occurrence is not frequent due to the lack of medical personnel available on-site. When an inmate dies or is near death, they are typically transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
When an inmate dies in prison, the process that follows depends on the circumstances surrounding their death. If the death was due to natural causes, an autopsy may be performed to determine the cause of death. The inmate’s family is then notified, and arrangements are made for the body to be transported to a funeral home.
If the death was the result of violence, an investigation is conducted to identify the responsible parties and determine whether criminal charges should be filed. In some cases, the death may result in increased security measures or changes to the prison’s policies.
Dying in prison is a possibility for inmates, whether it be from a life sentence, a terminal illness, or violence. Despite the myth that inmates cannot be declared dead on prison grounds, they can, but medical personnel are not always available. When an inmate dies, the process that follows varies depending on the circumstances surrounding their death.
- What happens to your body if you die in prison?
- What happens if you die in prison?
What happens to your body if you die in prison?
In the event of an inmate’s death, it is necessary for a doctor to confirm the death rather than prison staff, regardless of whether it was caused by natural causes or violence from another inmate. If there is any uncertainty, the inmate is swiftly taken to a hospital. However, if there is no doubt, a doctor can confirm the death on-site. Once confirmed, the coroner takes possession of the body.
To inform the inmate’s next of kin or emergency contacts, the chaplain contacts them, but they are often notified through voicemail, email, or text message. The family may opt to retrieve the body and make arrangements themselves, or they can choose a prison burial or cremation. If the family chooses a prison burial or cremation, the body remains in prison custody, but they can still request visitation.
If the family chooses a private funeral, the prison releases the body to the funeral director. Alternatively, if the family decides to donate the body or organs, the prison immediately transports the body to the appropriate medical facility.
What happens if you die in prison?
Due to age or health conditions, many inmates face the inevitable outcome of dying in prison. However, the circumstances surrounding each death are unique to the individual and the facility they are incarcerated in. For some, passing away in their cell with fellow inmates nearby may be the best possible scenario given their situation.
However, according to Marvin Mutch, a man wrongfully convicted in 1975 who served 41 years in San Quentin until his release, dying in a cell is emotionally difficult for the inmate and their cellmate. If an inmate dies in their cell, their cellmate is isolated until the autopsy is complete. This can be difficult for two individuals who have lived together as lifers for years, and their grief process begins in total isolation.
In other cases, an inmate may pass away alone in the prison infirmary, where a nurse periodically checks in on them. If the inmate’s condition worsens, they may be taken to a local hospital, where they are shackled to the bed and may ultimately die alone.
Documentary filmmaker Edgar Barens, who created “Angola Prison Hospice: Opening the Door,” a film used as a training tool for prisoners, states that many people die in prison alone, either in their cells or in the infirmary. Those who are fortunate enough to be with a nurse at the time of their passing are considered lucky.
Fortunately, organizations such as the Humane Prison Hospice Project have made end-of-life care possible for terminally ill inmates in some facilities. The ultimate goal is to have hospice services available in every prison, allowing individuals to die with dignity and compassion. Barens’ films help inmates learn how to provide care for their fellow prisoners who are in need.
while the circumstances surrounding an inmate’s death vary, there is a growing effort to ensure that all inmates can die with dignity, respect, and compassion.
The US prison system is facing a rapidly aging population, with the 55+ age group being the fastest-growing age group behind bars. Unfortunately, only 75 prisons have official hospice programs, despite there being over 1,000 state prisons in the United States. As a result, many inmates are dying alone, without proper end-of-life care or dignity.
According to Jamey Boudreaux, executive director of the Louisiana-Mississippi Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, bringing hospice into prisons can help to humanize inmates and change the way they think about themselves. Hospice programs offer a caring environment that provides comfort and support to individuals during their final days, something that is extremely important in both the free world and within prisons.
Laura Bronstein, dean of Binghamton University College of Community and Public Affairs and executive director of the Institute for Justice and Well-Being, highlights the importance of hospice programs in prisons. She emphasizes that hospice programs offer a compassionate and caring environment that is often not available elsewhere in the prison system. Hospice programs help to ensure that terminally ill inmates receive the care and support they need and deserve in their final days.
While there has been progress in implementing hospice programs in prisons, more work needs to be done. Many inmates are still dying alone and without proper end-of-life care. Hospice programs offer a solution that provides comfort, support, and compassion to individuals during their final days, regardless of their circumstances. It is essential that more prisons offer hospice programs to ensure tha all inmates are treated with dignity and compassion, even in death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you die in prison?
Yes, inmates can and do die in prison.
What happens when an inmate dies in prison?
An inmate must be pronounced dead by a doctor, not prison staff. If there is any doubt, the inmate is taken to the hospital immediately. The coroner will then arrive and take custody of the deceased. If the inmate has any next of kin or emergency contacts, they will be notified by the chaplain. The family has the option of picking up the body and making arrangements, or they can choose a prison burial or cremation.
How do inmates die in prison?
Inmates can die in prison due to natural causes, terminal illnesses, suicide, homicide, or accidents.
What happens to inmates who die in prison?
The deceased inmate’s body is typically released to their next of kin or emergency contacts, who can choose to arrange for a private funeral or opt for a prison burial or cremation. If the family chooses a prison burial or cremation, the body remains in prison custody. However, the family may request a visitation. If the family elects to donate the person’s body or organs, the prison immediately transports the body to the appropriate medical facility.
Do all prisons have hospice programs?
No, not all prisons have hospice programs. Currently, only 75 prisons in the United States have official hospice programs.
Why are hospice programs important in prisons?
Hospice programs are important in prisons because the prison population is aging rapidly, and many inmates will face end-of-life care needs. Hospice programs allow inmates to die with dignity and compassion, rather than alone or in isolation.
Can an inmate be declared dead on prison grounds?
Yes, an inmate can be declared dead on prison grounds, but it doesn’t happen very often because there isn’t always a doctor on site. Inmates who die or are near death are taken to a local hospital immediately.
Conclusion
The topic of dying in prison is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful consideration and attention. As the prison population in the United States continues to age, the need for hospice and end-of-life care services for inmates becomes increasingly pressing. While there are some facilities with official hospice programs, there is a long way to go in terms of providing compassionate care for all inmates who are nearing the end of their lives.
Furthermore, the experience of dying in prison varies widely based on the circumstances of each person and the facility they are in. Some inmates may prefer to die in their cell surrounded by their friends, while others may be alone in the prison infirmary or even shackled to a bed in a hospital.
It is important to recognize the humanity of every individual, regardless of their past actions, and to provide them with dignity and compassion in their final moments. With the help of organizations like the Humane Prison Hospice Project and the efforts of dedicated individuals, progress can be made towards ensuring that all inmates have access to quality end-of-life care.
