NCJ Number
153050
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 15-23
Date Published
1990
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The Australian Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody investigated the phenomenon within the broader context of all deaths in prison and police custody over the 9-year period between 1980 and 1988.
Abstract
Data were collected on 462 cases, comprising 94 Aboriginal and 368 non-Aboriginal deaths. Based on their proportion of the general population, Aboriginal suspects were 23 times more likely to die in custody than were non-Aborigines. About two-thirds of Aboriginal deaths occurred in police custody, while two-thirds of white suspects' deaths occurred in prison. Non-Aborigines were most likely to die from suicide or self-inflicted injuries, but Aborigines were more likely to die from natural causes. Offenders who died in prison were generally more serious offenders than those who died in police custody. Proportionately more Aboriginal deaths occurred in hospitals than non-Aboriginal deaths. The findings suggest the need for improved health programs for Aborigine offenders and the need for a permanent, national monitoring system for all custodial deaths. 6 tables and 4 references