Notification Requirement
Pursuant to Section 624 of the Correction Law, when an incarcerated individual dies while in custody, DOCCS must notify the person’s next of kin and any representative named by the individual as the emergency contact that a death has occurred. Beginning December 19, 2025, the Department must also post notice of the death on its website within 48 hours after notifying the family and designated representative.
Cause of Death
Information of the official cause of death is determined and released by the County Medical Examiner’s Office pursuant to County Law §671 and §674, whereby state coroners and medical examiners determine the cause of death. County Law §677 leaves it to coroners and medical examiners to determine if results will be released and to whom. Any death that appears to be from other than natural causes or a known medical condition is thoroughly investigated by New York State Police and DOCCS’ Office of Special Investigations. All deaths in DOCCS’ facilities are reviewed by the State Commission of Correction.