Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody
This new law mandates prompt notification to families about serious health incidents or deaths of individuals in federal custody. It aims to ensure dignified treatment for detainees and their loved ones, reducing stress and uncertainty. Citizens will have assurance that if a family member is detained, their health status will be communicated.
Key points
Federal agencies must notify families of death within 12 hours, and of serious illness or injury as soon as practicable.
Notifications must be delivered professionally and compassionately, including details about the incident.
Detention agencies will collect emergency contact information and preferences for medical care.
The act provides support for states and local governments to develop similar policies, but does not mandate their adoption.
Individuals in custody cannot be coerced into providing contact information or penalized for not doing so.
Introduced
Citizen Poll