Federal Deaths in Custody and During Arrest, 2022 — Statistical Tables

• NCJ Number: 309427
• Author(s): Sean E. Goodison; Erica Grasmick; Connor Brooks
• Date Published: November 2024
• Length: 13 pages
• Agencies: BJS
• Publication Type: Publication; Statistics

Abstract

This report presents data on deaths that occur during federal arrest, detention, and incarceration in the United States. It is the fifth in a series in response to the Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) of 2013 (P.L. 113–242). This act requires federal law enforcement agencies to report information about the death of any person who dies while detained, under arrest, being arrested, or in the custody of federal law enforcement officers. It describes decedent, incident, and facility characteristics of deaths in federal custody and during arrest by federal law enforcement agencies during fiscal year 2022.

Highlights: 

• Homicides accounted for the largest portion (41%) of arrest-related deaths, followed by accidents (28%) and suicides (23%).
• In arrest-related deaths, 98% of decedents were male, 75% were white, and 53% were ages 25 to 44.
• In 55% of arrest-related deaths, law enforcement officers were serving a warrant when they made initial contact with the decedent.
• A violent offense was the most serious offense allegedly committed by decedents in 50% of arrest-related deaths.
• Decedents attempted to injure law enforcement officers in 35% of arrest-related deaths and discharged a firearm in 38%.