U.S. jail deaths on rise due to staff negligence: report

Jail deaths rose 11 percent since 2000 when the U.S. Department of Justice began tallying these deaths, reported National Public Radio (NPR) on Thursday, reported Xinhua.

Suicides are the leading cause of jail deaths, and fatal drug overdoses are the fastest growing cause of death, according to the report.

Millions of people enter jail in the United States every year. "They've become a revolving door for those with mental health issues or substance-abuse disorders," reported NPR.

"The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that inmates are entitled to life-saving medical care, but that isn't quite guaranteed," it said.

"(Staff) feel a need that it's their job to perpetuate punishment... instead of looking at it as a place where you are there to help this person become better," Maggie Luna, who spent time in and out of jails in Texas, was quoted as saying.