By The Star Staff
The Commission on Civil Rights (CDC by its initials in Spanish) characterized the rise in inmate deaths under the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) as “alarming” after an examination of data from 2011 to 2024, revealed that 726 individuals died while incarcerated during that period.
CDC Director Ever Padilla Ruiz said the investigation was prompted by the increasing number of inmate deaths, continuous complaints from families alleging violations of rights by the correctional system, and reports in various media outlets. The findings were based on a thorough review of statistical data collected by the CDC, which was compared with information provided by the DCR and the Institute of Forensic Sciences (ICF).
The investigation concluded that deaths in prisons have continued to escalate, with each year from 2021 to 2023 recording 80 deaths. The report indicates that many of the fatalities could have been prevented. Analysis shows that drug overdose was the leading cause of death, particularly involving fentanyl, xylazine, and cocaine. This stands in stark contrast to the DCR’s responsibility to promote rehabilitation and ensure the safety of all individuals in its custody, the CDC said.
The second leading cause of death was sepsis, which can result from inadequate medical services. Other identified causes included homicide, infectious diseases, and withdrawal syndrome, among others.
The report emphasizes a particular concern regarding the rising number of deaths among incarcerated individuals, as opposed to inmates who have been convicted of a crime. The fatalities highlight the issue that such individuals died without the state proving their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt or securing a conviction. The situation calls for a reevaluation of the criminal justice system, the CDC said.
Furthermore, the report provides a comparative analysis of deaths in correctional facilities across other jurisdictions. Although Puerto Rico ranks 35th in correctional population among other states and territories, it holds the 25th position for the number of prison deaths.
The report also investigates the use of Narcan in prisons, identifying the facilities with the highest frequency of incidents. Notably, a maximum-security prison reported the greatest usage, underscoring the ongoing problem of drug trafficking within the correctional system, even in institutions that should have the most stringent security measures.
Access to medical and health services was another focus of the analysis.
“The poor quality of medical services or lack of timely access could have contributed to many of the deaths,” the report stated.
Additionally, it highlighted the insufficient supervision of incarcerated individuals with mental health conditions.
“With an average budget of nearly $13 million annually, it is shocking that there is documented evidence of a lack of access to adequate and timely medical services for this population,” Padilla Ruiz said,
The CDC director stressed the urgency of taking action, as inmate deaths continue to rise despite a decrease in the correctional population -- from 11,860 in 2012 to 7,374 in 2024. He emphasized that individuals deprived of liberty are not exempt from constitutional protections; imprisonment does not suspend their rights, and the agency responsible for their custody must uphold constitutional guarantees.
Among several recommendations, the report urged the establishment of interagency committees involving the DCR, ICF, Department of Justice, and Puerto Rico Police Bureau to create mechanisms for regular communication and uniform standards for data collection. Additionally, it recommended creating programs to address addiction issues as a public health concern rather than solely through penal measures.
“It is abundantly clear that, in Puerto Rico, though the constitutional mandate and law aim to rehabilitate individuals in confinement, prison conditions fail to uphold that responsibility,” Padilla Ruiz said. “Urgent action is needed to align measures with our constitutional principles.”
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