If you are in danger, call 911. If you need to exit this website quickly, click on the ESCAPE button. This button will immediately open a browser window for weather.com and replace your current window with google.com.
Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

    Submit a Death in Custody Report

    If someone dies while in a state prison, local jail, or while being arrested, that death has to be reported to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

    Report a Death in Custody (opens in a new tab)
    Death in Custody Reporting Dashboard (opens in a new tab)

    Overview

    The Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013 requires state administering agencies (PCCD) to report the deaths of persons in the custody of state prisons, local jails, and during the process of arrest to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). 

    A reportable death is defined as "the death of any person who is detained, under arrest, or is in the process of being arrested, is en route to be incarcerated, or is incarcerated at a municipal or county jail, State prison, State-run boot camp prison, boot camp prison that is contracted out by the State, any State or local contract facility, or other local or State correctional facility (including any juvenile facility)." Public Law No: 113-242 (12/18/2014).

    Reporting and Deadlines

    For each reportable death, agencies should complete the Death in Custody Reporting Act Form(opens in a new tab).

    *Starting 4/1/2025, PCCD will only accept submissions through the new form and no longer accept emails with form attachments.

     

    Reportable Death Occurring: Submit Form to PCCD by:
    October 1 to December 31 January 15th
    January 1 to March 31 April 15th
    April 1 to June 30 July 15th
    July 1 to September 30 October 15th
    Questions about Death in Custody Reporting?

    Contact Us

    ​If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to PCCD for assistance.

    Call (opens in a new tab)
    Email (opens in a new tab)

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

                     

    Death in Custody Reporting Dashboard