Riverside Regional Jail superintendent shares context behind high inmate death statistic

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Twelve people died in Riverside Regional Jail from 2022 through 2024, the largest total of all Virginia jails during that period. A spokesperson explained that although tragic, the high statistic is "statistically expected" due to its high population, among other factors.

According to a review released on July 1 by the Virginia Board of Local and Regional Jails, 12 people died in Riverside Regional Jail from 2022 through 2024. This includes four deaths that occurred 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.

The nature of the deaths was noted statewide, but not by each jail in the review.

Riverside Regional Jail superintendent Jeffrey Dillman explained the context surrounding the statistic, including that the jail is one of the largest in Virginia.

Given its size, Dillman said "a relatively high number of incidents is statistically expected," and that the jail's per capita rate is generally in line with statewide trends.

"The death of anyone in the charge of a state or local facility is tragic, and while every reasonable and appropriate effort is made to prevent such incidents, they cannot always be avoided," Dillman said.

In addition to its higher overall population, Dillman noted that Riverside Regional Jail houses a disproportionate number of people with untreated or under-treated medical, mental health and substance use disorders.

"Many arrive with advanced chronic illnesses or serious behavioral health needs that present extraordinary challenges for any healthcare system, particularly within a secure correctional environment," Dillman said,

To meet these needs, Dillman said the facility provides physician services, nursing staff, medications and hospital treatment.

The jail is accredited by both the American Correctional Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health care, which, according to Dillman, is maintained by only a few Virginia jails.

The jail is also reportedly a leader in enrolling eligible inmates in Medicaid, which helps fund hospital care during incarceration and ensures that they continue to receive treatment after they are released through re-entry programs.

Riverside Regional Jail has recently faced scrutiny for agreeing with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to temporarily house the agency's detainees.

Dillman was appointed as superintendent in October of 2024 following a call by lawmakers for a new superintendent. The call came after inspections that showed that 18 deaths occurred at the facility from 2020 to 2022. Independent inspections revealed five violations of conditions in 2022, including poor suicide prevention measures, substandard medical care and lax security protocols.