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| Jail deaths lead to call for independent investigations |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 01/05/2004 |
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A tree on the Wyandotte County (Kan.) Jail grounds is named for Michael Phillips in hopes it eventually provides more than shade or attractive landscaping. In November, Phillips, 40, died at the jail, where he'd been in custody since June on felony charges. An autopsy said Phillips had a brain abscess. His was the third death at the jail since 1991. Sonny Scroggins, a Topeka civil rights activist, named the tree for Phillips in a ceremony this month. But Scroggins wants more than memorials. He wants Kansas to mandate an independent investigation into all deaths of those in custody. In recent months, Scroggins has traveled in Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma to heighten awareness of inmate deaths as a field officer for the National Action Network. Scroggins, 52, an activist for three decades, founded his own group, Bias Busters, before joining the network. Kansas collects no solid figures on how many inmates die in county jails, though the federal government is supposed to release figures on custody deaths early next year. Alesia Jackson, president of Bias Busters of Nebraska and chairwoman of the National Action Network chapter in Omaha, said her state has acted in recent years to investigate the deaths of people in custody or pursued by police. A state law requires a grand jury to convene to determine whether wrongdoing occurred. Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline has met with Scroggins and expressed interest. Having the review would help maintain the public's faith in law enforcement, he said. Scroggins said he also has spoken with several legislators who are considering introducing his proposal during the 2004 legislative session. But not everyone is convinced that jail deaths compel a state inspection program. Nicole Corcoran, a spokeswoman for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, said most Kansas jails are run conscientiously and there isn't evidence of a crisis. Brad Ratliff, a spokesman for the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office, said all deaths are investigated internally to make sure deputies followed proper procedures. The jail has a capacity of 352 people and books close to 12,000 people each year. |
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