Here & Now Anytime Undercounted: Why suicide is a leading cause of death in U.S. jails
Oct 2, 2025
Peter O'Dowd, a longform reporter, delves into the alarming trend of suicide in U.S. jails, highlighting the case of Mario Mason in Oklahoma City. He reveals that suicide is the leading cause of death in these facilities, driven by inadequate mental health treatment. O'Dowd discusses innovative tech for monitoring risks, but underscores its limitations. He shares poignant stories from formerly incarcerated individuals and examines community initiatives aimed at providing support, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change to prevent such tragedies.
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Suicide Is A Leading Jail Cause Of Death
- Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in American jails, with almost 900 deaths from 2019–2023 reported by the Marshall Project.
- Risk is highest in the first days after booking even though long-term desperation also matters.
Monitor Vital Signs Immediately
- Use monitoring technology like radar and wristbands to detect breathing and heart-rate changes in the first days of custody.
- Deploy these devices particularly during high-risk early custody periods to trigger medical response.
Jails Function As Default Mental Hospitals
- Jails often hold large numbers of people with mental illness and lack the resources to treat them properly.
- That combination elevates suicide risk when crises go untreated behind bars.