Allegheny County Council
Medical examiner expected to investigate all jail inmate deaths.
Written by Amy Whipple
Allegheny County Council wants increased transparency regarding the deaths of incarcerated individuals.
Unanimously passed legislation requires the medical examiner to prioritize investigations of individuals who died in the custody of the Allegheny County Jail.
According to TribLive, approximately 20 people died while under the jail’s control between 2020 to 2025.
The final report, including cause of death and toxicology findings, must be submitted to the warden, the Jail Oversight Board (JOB) and the county manager within three business days of completion.
A 2021 investigation by the now-shuttered Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism revealed that the county didn’t include incarcerated people who died after being transported to local hospitals in its official count. The new legislation now includes those individuals in its definition of “custody.”
A 2023 investigation by the news organization additionally found that the medical examiner’s office also inconsistently completed full autopsies on individuals who died in the jail’s care.
Council Member Bethany Hallam of Ross, who sits on the JOB, has previously expressed frustration about the lack of transparency between the jail and board. The legislation notes that expedited autopsy reports will aid the board in its duties to protect the health and safety of incarcerated individuals.
The legislation does not address the availability of autopsy reports to the public via Right to Know requests even though the county has previously been compelled by state courts to do so.
Connections to this story
- Elected officials:
- Bethany Hallam
- Governments:
- Allegheny County Council
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