GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics

  • In 2019, there were 113 correctional officers deaths in the United States.
  • 10% of all work-related deaths in the law enforcement sector in 2019 were correctional officers.
  • In 2017, the rate for fatal occupational injury in corrections was 3.3 per 100,000 workers.
  • In 2018, Around 16 correctional officers died in motor vehicle accidents while on duty.
  • From 1999 to 2008, 113 correctional officers were killed on job.
  • Coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death among correctional officers from 1992-2002.
  • From 2005 to 2009, guns were involved in 23% of correctional officers' intentional fatal injuries.
  • From 1999 to 2007, the leading causes of death for correctional officers were illnesses related to stress.
  • 16% of correctional officer deaths were due to suicide between 2013 and 2017.
  • From 1992 to 1996, 14 correctional officers were killed on duty.
  • In 2020, COVID-19 has caused more than 130 correctional officer deaths.
  • In 2015, there were five female correctional officer deaths.
  • In 2016, 34% of deaths were due to natural causes, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
  • In 2017, authority figures were the cause of nearly 15% of inmate-on-staff homicides.
  • From 1999 to 2008, 36% of correctional officer deaths were due to traumatic injuries.
  • Between 2001 and 2017, two correctional officers died in terrorist attacks on duty.

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Table of Contents

Welcome to our deep-dive into the sobering yet pivotal topic of correctional officer deaths statistics. Within the challenging world of corrections, officers face a high-risk, demanding environment daily, and understanding the numbers associated with their mortality is essential to raise awareness and spark improvements in their safety protocols. This blog post will explore the statistical geography of these unfortunate incidents, analyzing trends and patterns, causes and patterns, for a comprehensive understanding of the inherent dangers correctional officers face and how we might lessen them.

The Latest Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics Unveiled

In 2019, there were 113 correctional officers deaths in the United States.

Highlighting the figure of 113 correctional officers’ deaths in the United States for 2019 paints a crucial picture of the perils that officers face behind prison walls. In the framework of a blog about Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics, this data point serves as an alarming call for potential occupational health and safety improvements within prisons. It not only underscores the inherent risk involved in maintaining law and order among incarcerated individuals, but also guides broader discussions on preventive strategies, policies, and reforms aimed at reducing the mortality rate of those who work in this high-risk environment.

10% of all work-related deaths in the law enforcement sector in 2019 were correctional officers.

Shedding light on the often overlooked dangers inherent in the role of correctional officers, the statistic indicating that a striking 10% of all work-related fatalities in the law enforcement sector in 2019 were correctional officers serves as a grim reminder. In the dissection of Correctional Officer Death Statistics, this figure paints a sobering portrait of the risks borne by these unsung heroes of law enforcement. It underscores the urgent need for protective measures, workplace reforms and stronger safety protocols to mitigate these occupational hazards and safeguard the lives of those upholding justice behind the bars.

In 2017, the rate for fatal occupational injury in corrections was 3.3 per 100,000 workers.

Unfolding the raw narrative behind the number, the alarming rate of 3.3 fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers in corrections in 2017 underscores the inherent dangers of this profession. In the discourse on Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics, it serves as a stark reminder of the perilous circumstances these brave individuals navigate daily. It underscores the urgency for systemic improvements in safety protocols and heightens the drive for policymakers and prison administrations to invest in better protective measures. Ultimately, understanding this statistic is a critical step towards mitigating risks and valuing the lives of these unsung heroes of law enforcement.

In 2018, Around 16 correctional officers died in motor vehicle accidents while on duty.

Highlighting the statistic that approximately 16 correctional officers met a tragic end in motor vehicle accidents while on duty in 2018 paints a gripping narrative of the dangers these personnel face beyond the prison walls. The number is a stark reminder that the hazards associated with the occupation of correctional officers often extend beyond inmate violence or prison riots, and vehicular accidents, while on duty, are an overlooked but significant peril. This information underscores the urgency and necessity to implement comprehensive safety measures, including stringent driving and vehicle maintenance protocols, emphasizing the unseen facets of the dangers associated with correctional duties.

From 1999 to 2008, 113 correctional officers were killed on job.

Unveiling a startling revelation, the statistic, ‘From 1999 to 2008, 113 correctional officers were killed on the job,’ punctuates the mortality risk these sworn public servants routinely confront within our penal system. Embedded in the data is a narrative of sacrifice and peril, as these figures lay bare an often overlooked aspect of the profession. Quantifying the ultimate cost of maintaining law and order behind prison walls, this statistic becomes an indispensable touchstone for any comprehensive understanding or conversation revolving around Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics.

Coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death among correctional officers from 1992-2002.

Highlighting the statistic that ‘Coronary heart disease was the leading cause of death among correctional officers from 1992-2002’, underscores a critical, often overlooked, aspect of the occupational hazards associated with being a correctional officer. Beyond the immediately obvious threats of violence and injury, these figures unmask a silent foe—stress and its deadly impact on heart health. This aspect of the job’s inherent risks offers a much-needed expansion of the dialog around correctional officer safety. By broadening the scope of understanding, strategies for prevention and mitigation can accordingly be expanded, potentially saving lives in this crucial sector of law enforcement.

From 2005 to 2009, guns were involved in 23% of correctional officers’ intentional fatal injuries.

Highlighting that guns were involved in 23% of correctional officers’ intentional fatal injuries from 2005 to 2009 serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers faced by officers within prison environments. By supplying these concrete numbers, it underscores the necessity for improved safety measures, more effective gun controls, and comprehensive officer training to minimize these incidents. This statistic gives readers of the blog post a quantified look at the risks, and it emphasizes efforts needed to address this serious issue in the correctional system. Additionally, it frames the discussion of remedial measures clearly in the context of life-threatening dangers that persistently loom over these professionals.

From 1999 to 2007, the leading causes of death for correctional officers were illnesses related to stress.

Underlining the severity of their work environment, the statistic unveils an alarming issue – from 1999 to 2007, stress-related illnesses emerged as the top killers for correctional officers. This underscored narrative, often overlooked in the broader context of law enforcement, reinforces the importance of acknowledging and addressing the crucial mental health implications of their job. For a blog post on Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics, this data thus provides a pivotal compass – signifying that along with physical safety measures, it is equally imperative for policymakers to ensure the psychological well-being of these officers. This statistic, simply put, highlights an urgent call for action towards establishing healthier work conditions in correctional facilities.

16% of correctional officer deaths were due to suicide between 2013 and 2017.

Weaving this statistic – ‘16% of correctional officer deaths were due to suicide between 2013 and 2017’ – into the tapestry of our blog post underscores a grim, yet significant point about the mental health challenges that correctional officers face. This number shines a harsh spotlight on the underlying stress and psychological despair that often go unnoticed in the shadows of a profession imbued with custodial responsibility and constant peril. Not only does it trigger conversations around job-related risks, but it also directs our focus towards strategizing adequate mental health support measures. Delving further into this undoubtedly paints a more holistic picture of morning roll calls behind bars, propelling us as a society to tackle the problems that lurk beneath.

From 1992 to 1996, 14 correctional officers were killed on duty.

The anecdote from the 1992-1996 era, when 14 correctional officers lost their lives in the line of duty, paints a vivid portrait of the danger these brave men and women often face at work. Highlighting such losses in a discussion about Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics underscores the reality of the occupational hazards, serving as a poignant reminder of the potential mortal price attached to keeping society’s peace and order. It punctuates the urgency for improved safety measures and policies to protect those who guard society’s most dangerous individuals. As with each statistic, every number represents a unique, irreplaceable life tragically cut short, resonating far beyond just being a data point.

In 2020, COVID-19 has caused more than 130 correctional officer deaths.

In the 2020 epoch of the COVID-19 pandemic, an astonishing toll of over 130 correctional officer deaths was rattled off, dramatically underscoring the heightened vulnerability of this population. Dissecting this grim figure in the context of a blog post about Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics illuminates the profound implications of the pandemic on incarcerated settings. The untamed viral transmission within these dense, enclosed spaces can be a deadly catalyst not only for the inmates but also for the brave officers who navigate this challenging environment. The high statistical rate of fatalities in 2020 paints a poignant image of their harrowing ordeal, thereby redefining the conventional discourse of occupational hazards in the correctional workforce’s public health debate.

In 2015, there were five female correctional officer deaths.

Shining a spotlight on the statistic, ‘In 2015, there were five female correctional officer deaths’, we inherently highlight the weight of danger the correctional occupation carries, especially for women. In a realm primarily dominated by men, the mortality numbers of women provide an insightful contrast to analyze the environment’s gender vulnerability. These figures serve as compass points, navigating us through the complexities of occupational hazards, risk factors, and safety policies within the penal system. Thus, they prompt a better understanding, and potentially a reevaluation, of the existent protective measures for women in correctional facilities, ultimately shaping the narrative of our blog post about Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics into a more comprehensive discussion.

In 2016, 34% of deaths were due to natural causes, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Delving into the gritty details of Correctional Officer Death Statistics, it’s striking to note that in 2016, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a significant 34% of all deaths were attributed to natural causes. This particular statistic shines a spotlight on the recurrent pressure and high-stress conditions that correctional officers routinely encounter, which can potentially lead to health problems and ultimately, death. Thus, the figure serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll that the challenging environment within the prison walls may exact, emphasizing the need for better occupational health policies and practices within the prison system.

In 2017, authority figures were the cause of nearly 15% of inmate-on-staff homicides.

Highlighting the statistic that ‘In 2017, authority figures instigated nearly 15% of inmate-on-staff homicides’ adds a crucial layer of complexity to a discussion about correctional officer death statistics. Not only does it bring attention to the significant risk correctional officers face in performing their duties but it also propels readers into a deeper contemplation of the correctional system dynamics. It accentuates the unfortunate reality that authority figures can become catalysts for violent incidents, suggesting that strategies must be sought to mitigate these occurrences, hence advocating for increased protection and stricter regulations within the corrections environment.

From 1999 to 2008, 36% of correctional officer deaths were due to traumatic injuries.

As we delve into the dark and perilous statistics of Correctional Officer Deaths, one stark number emerges from the shadows — the chilling revelation that from 1999 to 2008, traumatic injuries accounted for a bone-rattling 36% of total fatalities. This grim figure punctures the veil of complacency, illuminating the tangible danger that permeates the walls of these prison facilities. It’s a palpable punch to the gut, a brutal testament to the high-risk environment these correctional officers navigate daily. By including this statistic in the dialogue, we offer a stark perspective, not to instill fear, but to underscore the urgency for improved safety measures and reforms that could potentially turn the tide in favor of those that walk the perilous beat within the prison corridors.

Between 2001 and 2017, two correctional officers died in terrorist attacks on duty.

Highlighting the fact that, between 2001 and 2017, only two correctional officers lost their lives in terrorist attacks while on duty crucially underscores the presence of diverse threats in the line of duty, beyond the conventional dangers often associated with correctional institutions. Within the broader discussion of correctional officer deaths statistics, this datapoint serves as a sobering reminder of the multifaceted risks correctional officers face, extending beyond inmate violence. It underscores an often overlooked aspect of officer safety, stirring a broader discussion on the preparedness and the safety protocols in place to protect these officers from extreme threats such as terrorism.

Conclusion

A comprehensive analysis of the Correctional Officer Deaths Statistics reveals the alarming need for enhanced safety measures and training for our correctional officers. The high incidence of work-related fatalities in this profession suggests a pressing need for more thorough risk assessments and improved protective strategies. As we forge ahead, it remains critical to prioritize officer well-being, emphasizing on improved working conditions, crisis management training, and comprehensive health programs to significantly reduce these concerning figures and foster a safer workforce.

References

0. – https://www.www.cambridge.org

1. – https://www.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

2. – https://www.www.bop.gov

3. – https://www.www.start.umd.edu

4. – https://www.bjs.ojp.gov

5. – https://www.www.bls.gov

6. – https://www.www.cdc.gov

7. – https://www.inpublicsafety.com

8. – https://www.www.marshallproject.org

9. – https://www.www.prisonlegalnews.org

10. – https://www.www.nwfacts.com

11. – https://www.www.bjs.gov

12. – https://www.ojjdp.ojp.gov

FAQs

How many correctional officers die in the line of duty annually in the U.S.?

The number of correctional officer deaths can vary annually. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 10 correctional officers die on duty each year, though the number can be higher.

What are the common causes of death for correctional officers?

The leading cause of death among correctional officers is homicide, typically during prison breaks or riots. However, accidental deaths also occur, such as slips, trips, falls, and occupational illnesses. Heart attacks on duty due to stress are becoming increasingly common as well.

Does the death rate amongst correctional officers decrease or increase over the years?

Death rates can fluctuate over time. However, when adjusted for increases in the number of correctional officers, the death rate has remained relatively stable. It's important to note, the implementation of new safety protocols and technology may reduce these rates further.

How does the death rate of correctional officers compare to other law enforcement professions?

The death rate of correctional officers is lower than that of police officers. However, the stress levels and risk of violence that correctional officers face make the job one of the most hazardous in the law enforcement field.

Is there a difference in death rates among correctional officers in private vs public prisons?

Generally, data on death rates in private vs public prisons are not systematically reported or compared. However, literature suggests that public prisons tend to have higher rates of deaths due to having a higher population of violent offenders.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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