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Deaths in Custody

A photo illustration with a black and white photograph of the exterior of a prison in the background with red rectangles overlaying it. In the middle is a semi-circle with the typewritten text from several phrases, including “tortured for 18 hours with an..” and “I began to feel a sharp pain on the left side of my chest.” Below the text is a photo of an officer's hands on the wrist of a man in handcuffs.
Feature December 17
Dozens of Prisoners Allege a Culture of Violence by Guards at Federal Facility in Virginia
In lawsuits and interviews, people held at Lee penitentiary described correctional officers breaking teeth, fracturing ribs and using the N-word.
By
A White person, wearing sunglasses, a green bandana mask and black shirt, holds a poster with the black-and-white image of Elijah McClain, a Black man wearing glasses and a plaid button-up shirt. The poster also reads, "Black Lives Matter. #JusticeForElijahMcClain." There are more protesters marching in the background.
Closing Argument June 15
More States Restricting ‘Excited Delirium’ as Cause of Death in Police Custody
Authorities use the term to describe the condition of some people who die. But some medical organizations say it’s useless or racist pseudoscience.
By
Five jail staff surround a man restrained in a wheelchair, with his head covered in a mesh hood.
Feature February 15
Spit Hoods Can Be Deadly. Police Keep Using Them Anyway.
Police cite studies saying the mesh bags are safe. But experts say the studies are flawed — and deaths in custody raise troubling questions.
By
A man in orange prison shorts is being restrained by three officers in a prison cell.
Feature February 15
5 Takeaways From Our Investigation Into Police Use of Spit Hoods
Reporting by The Marshall Project and WTSP in Tampa examined how police continue using the hoods, even as deaths raise troubling questions.
By
Life Inside October 23, 2020
Shame Is Ever-Present When You’re Sitting in a Cell
Between a strained relationship with my family and the death of a good friend, I’ve struggled to feel like I’m worth something.
By Demetrius A. Buckley
Sheriff Wayne Ivey of Brevard County, Florida, left, is facing Alton Edmond, a former public defender running as a Democrat in the sheriff’s election in November.
Feature September 19, 2020
The Sheriff’s Race Pitting Trump Against Black Lives Matter
Will demands for law enforcement accountability reach popular tough-on-crime sheriffs? A Florida race offers a test.
By
News December 12, 2014
‘The Ferguson Bill’
A new law promises to track civilians killed by police. Don’t hold your breath.
By
Commentary November 30, 2014
What Death Penalty Opponents Don’t Get
There are fates worse than death.
By Jam ES Ridgeway and Jean Casella
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