The very slight net change in the state prison population since 2001 pales in comparison to the increase in overall deaths occurring in these facilities. The answer isn’t just because there are more incarcerated people. Why, then, are suicides up 22 percent from the previous mortality report, just two years prior? Why are deaths by drug and alcohol intoxication up a staggering 139 percent from the previous mortality report, just two years prior? State prisons, on the other hand, are regarded as more stable places, where life is slightly more predictable for already-sentenced people. According to one formerly incarcerated person, “if you have the choice between jail and prison, prison is usually a much better place to be.”ĭeaths in jail receive considerable attention in popular news, and here on our website – which they should, given the deplorable conditions that lead to tragedy among primarily unconvicted people. State prisons, intended for people sentenced to at least one year, are supposed to be set up for long-term custody, with ongoing programming, treatment and education. The new numbers show some of the same trends we’ve seen before – that thousands die in custody, largely from a major or unnamed illness – but also reveal that an increasing share of deaths are from discrete unnatural causes, like suicide, homicide, and drug and alcohol intoxication.

The new data is from 2018, not 2020, thanks to ongoing delays in publication, and while it would be nice to see how COVID-19 may have impacted deaths (beyond the obvious), the report indicates that prisons are becoming increasingly dangerous – a finding that should not be ignored. The latest data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) on mortality in state and federal prisons is a reminder that prisons are in fact “ death-making institutions,” in the words of activist Mariame Kaba. Drugs in prison endangers the safety of all those working and housed in these facilities,” Tucker said.Īnchorage’s chief of police Michael Kerle said offenses like these may seem insignificant on the surface, but are often related to additional crimes.New data: State prisons are increasingly deadly places New data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that state prisons are seeing alarming rises in suicide, homicide, and drug and alcohol-related deaths. The defendant further showed his blatant disregard for rules by possessing significant quantities of heroin and fentanyl - both extremely deadly drugs - in our custodial institutions. Additionally, the trafficking of stolen firearms - especially by convicted felons - is a threat to the safety of all Alaskans, and we will continue to work closely with all law enforcement partners to keep or communities safe. “The defendant was held accountable for crimes committed against this elderly grieving victim and the pain he further inflicted upon her by taking exceptionally sentimental items. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska said. “Crimes against elderly victims are an egregious threat and will not be tolerated,” U.S. In February of this year, Reder was found to be in possession of over eight grams of heroin and 69 fentanyl pills, and he was indicted on contraband charges the following month.Īlready arrested and convicted on charges of theft related to two separate burglaries and several drug charges, officials say his choice of victim in this case was cause for concern. Reder was charged in August of 2022 for the firearms thefts only, and was placed in federal custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex.

The collector cooperated with the investigation and the stolen firearms were recovered. Reder then sold 41 of the weapons to a collector for the sum of $12,000 before the owner reported them missing. At that time, Reder stole a number of irreplaceable items from the elderly woman’s home, including over 40 firearms, her engagement ring, and a Rolex watch that was a gift to her late husband from his squadron. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A man from Anchorage has received a sentence of seven and half years in prison for stealing several items from an elderly woman, and for possession of narcotics while in prison.Ī press release from the United States Department of Justice said 37-year-old Max Reder was hired by an elderly woman to clean her garage in September of 2020.

Contraband in a sentence