Deaths in custody in Senegal from 2017-2019: a retrospective chart review

Purpose This study aims to document the incidence and causes of deaths in custody in Senegal from 2017 to 2019 and to describe the demographic and criminal justice characteristics of decedents. Design/methodology/approach The authors examined medical records and death reports relating to all deaths occurring between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019 during a period of incarceration in Senegal. Findings Among the estimated 83,568 people incarcerated in Senegal during the study period, 83 deaths were recorded in custody; 24 in 2017, 32 in 2018 and 27 in 2019. This resulted in a rate of 1.0 deaths per 1,000 incarcerated people. Of the 83 decedents identified, 79 (95%) were males. Similar proportions of decedents were serving custodial sentences ( n = 44; 53%) and awaiting trial ( n = 39; 47%) at the time of death. Most deaths were recorded as being because of natural causes ( n = 67; 81%); the most common causes recorded were cardiovascular disease ( n = 22; 27%), cancer ( n = 12; 15%) and infectious diseases ( n = 11; 13%). Two people (2.4%) died by suicide, and one (1.2%) died as a result of interpersonal violence. Most deaths ( n = 59; 71%) occurred in hospitals, 14 (17%) occurred in prisons and 7 (8%) occurred in prison health centers. Originality/value The authors observed a higher rate of death and a markedly lower proportion of deaths in custody in Senegal because of suicide and violence, when compared with similar studies from high-income countries. The findings of this study point to a need for greater investment in screening, health care and health promotion in custodial settings to reduce potentially preventable deaths among people in custody in Senegal.