Begin Main Content Area

​Death in Custody Reporting

The Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) 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)

For each reportable death, agencies should complete the Death in Custody Reporting Act Form and submit it to PCCD.

Submit completed form to PCCD by Email to: ra-dic@pa.gov

Reportable Death Occurring: Submit Form to PCCD by:
October 1 to December 31January 15th
January 1 to March 31April 15th
April 1 to June 30July 15th
July 1 to September 30October 15th

Additional information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions Below.

 Accordion



Expand AllClick here for a more accessible version