12 people died in Riverside Regional Jail from 2022 through 2024, state review shows

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Twelve people died in Riverside Regional Jail from 2022 through 2024, the largest total of all local jails in Virginia during that period, according to a state review.

How many deaths occurred at local jails in Central Virginia from 2022 through 2024?

The review, released on July 1 by the Virginia Board of Local and Regional Jails, showed that 12 people died in Riverside Regional Jail from 2022 through 2024, including four deaths in 2022, two deaths in 2023 and six deaths in 2024.

Riverside Regional Jail's total deaths during that period is the largest of all local jails in the Commonwealth, according to the review.

Data also showed that three people died in Henrico County Jail-West in 2022 and two others died there in 2023, followed by two additional deaths in 2024, totaling seven deaths from 2022 through 2024.

Richmond City Justice Center recorded three deaths in 2022 and four deaths in 2023, totaling seven deaths from 2022 through 2024.

Two deaths were recorded at Pamunkey Regional Jail in 2022.

The Chesterfield County Jail noted two deaths in 2024.

In addition, one death occurred at Henrico County Jail-East in 2024.

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What were the manners of death throughout Virginia?

The nature of the deaths was noted statewide, but not by each jail in the review. From 2022 through 2024, 61 deaths at local jails throughout Virginia were reportedly due to natural causes.

Throughout that same period, 46 deaths occurred by suicide at local jails in Virginia.

Thirty-four deaths were reportedly accidental overdoses and three were declared homicides statewide from 2022 through 2024.

Nine deaths were awaiting autopsy reports by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, two are undetermined and 12 deaths were reportedly unknown.

What actions were taken by local jails?

Actions taken by facilities was noted statewide in the review, but not by each jail.

The following measures were taken, according to the report:

• Emergency medical policies for the facility and medical provider were reviewed to enhance the continuity of care.
• Additional staff training was implemented, including formal re-training of staff regarding the supervision of inmates.
• Accountability was taken for staff and administration, including firing deputies, officers and medical staff who reportedly violated policy and procedures.
• The importance of following the facilities' policies and procedures was highlighted during supervisory or officer meetings.
• Policies and procedures were enhanced regarding the supervision of inmates to ensure compliance with the board's guidance.
• An automated system was added to track officer or deputy security rounds.
• Medical care was enhanced, including additional medical staff.
• Health care contracted providers were changed.
• Administrative and clinical mortality reviews were implemented.
• A Continuous Quality Improvement Program was implemented in health care services.
• Internal audits were incorporated by supervisory and administrative staff to ensure compliance with regulations.

The review, which notes deaths, trends or similarities in data and recommendations for policy changes, is required to be conducted annually and must be submitted to the General Assembly and the Governor.

The full review is below: