Dozens die in custody after public intoxication arrests
A CBC investigation has found that 61 people have died in police custody after being arrested for public intoxication or a related offence since 2010.
"Alcoholism is an illness, it's not a crime, and it certainly shouldn't be punishable by death." That's a message from Jeannette Rogers, whose son, Corey, died in police custody in Halifax in 2016.
He is one of 61 people that a CBC investigation found had died after being detained for public intoxication or a related offence since 2010.
In many cases, the investigation found that those arrested weren't properly monitored, or their deteriorating health conditions were not addressed.
Today, CBC investigative reporter Kristin Annable shares some of the stories of those who died, and talks about how deaths like these might be prevented.