...because of the color of a person’s skin. Prison and jail deaths have increased because incarceration rates have increased with people of color (Race Relationships in Prison). Being an Afro-American or Hispanic behind bars means trouble and the possibility of either getting killed or killing yourself. Death among inmates is a serious crime that is occurring more and more because of over crowding and gangs. Gangs are becoming a problem behind bars because the more people in a gang the more trouble they can cause (Lichtenstein, Andrew 2). Gangs are out to kill when a territory is invaded or there is a rivalry issue. Many prison gangs are being kept in the same pod so there are no problems, but there are problems and when a path is crossed it can turn deadly (Florida Department of Corrections 1). In some areas death in prisons is becoming so popular; institutions are being forced to become even stricter with rules and hiring more personal. The only problem with hiring more employees is the issue of finding dedicated workers and honest people. Death in prisons and jails are increasing among Hispanics and Afro-Americans, but the cause of death for many prisoners is unknown (Race Relationships in Prison).
One of the major causes of death in the past for prisons and jails were riots; riots can occur at any time or any place. Living conditions for inmates is important because if living conditions are not fair or even decent inmates will act out and their behavior can turn deadly. On September 9, 1971 at around 8:20 am the beginning of a deadly riot broke out in New York City. This riot was known as the Attica Riot. The Attica Riot was based on a political issue and inmate living conditions. This riot claimed thirty-nine lives and lasted for four days. This riot did have some racial issues to it. The prison housed over 2, 225 inmates where there were...
