U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Jails in Indian Country, 2021, and the Impact of COVID-19, July–December 2020

NCJ Number
304631
Author(s)
Date Published
August 2022
Length
17 pages
Publication Series
Abstract

This report presents statistics on persons held in Indian country jails, including the impact of COVID-19 on the jail population and staff. The report describes the number and demographics of those held, the number of COVID-19 tests administered in the jails and the percentage of tests that were positive. It also includes statistics on people released early due to the pandemic.

Highlights:

  • Admissions to Indian country jails in June 2021 were 8% higher than in June 2020 but 40% lower than in June 2019.
  • From July to December 2020, about 10,680 COVID-19 tests were conducted on persons held in Indian country jails, and about 6% of these tests were positive.
  • Of the 31,020 persons admitted to Indian country jails from July to December 2020, about 22% (6,740) received expedited release in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The jail occupancy rate increased from 48% to 52% from midyear 2020 to midyear 2021.
  • Nearly 1 in 5 jail staff tested positive for COVID-19 from July to December 2020.

Date Published: August 1, 2022