BREAKING: Mother’s Advocacy Leads to Sentences for Officers in Son’s Jail death
Charleston, WV – A mother’s relentless pursuit of justice has resulted in notable prison sentences for correctional officers involved in the death of her son, Quantez Burks, at the Southern regional Jail (SRJ). Kimberly Burk’s unwavering advocacy ensured accountability for the officers, who were sentenced to a combined total of 105 years.
Burks, who was booked into SRJ the day before his death and had not been convicted of any crime, suffered blunt force trauma, broken ribs, and widespread contusions, according to an autonomous autopsy commissioned by his mother. This crucial evidence, coupled with widespread community outcry and advocacy, prompted a deeper examination by the state into the circumstances surrounding Burks’s death.
The West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy (WVCBP) credited Kimberly Burk’s determination for bringing the truth to light. “We owe a debt to Mr. Burks’s mother, Kimberly Burks, who made certain that her family and all of us learned the truth about what happened to her son,” stated the WVCBP. they further noted that the only individuals at the jail who showed concern for Burks’s family were fellow inmates who witnessed the assault and bravely reached out to his family on the day of his death, risking their own safety.This case highlights a broader issue of transparency in correctional facilities. The WVCBP reports that over the past five years, at least 307 individuals have died in West Virginia prisons or jails, a statistic that has not been publicly accessible until now. The WVCBP has taken on the mission to fill this gap, stating, “DCR may not tell you who died in their custody, but we will.”
Evergreen insight: The tragic story of Quantez burks underscores the critical role of family advocacy and community pressure in demanding accountability from institutions that operate with limited public oversight.It serves as a stark reminder that silence can allow injustice to persist. The WVCBP’s initiative to create “The Quantez Burks Report,” which is updated monthly,demonstrates a commitment to sustained transparency and serves as a vital resource for the public,empowering citizens to remain informed and engaged on critical issues of public safety and inmate welfare. The center encourages anyone aware of a death in custody to reach out to Sara Whitaker, senior criminal legal policy analyst, at [email protected], to ensure these incidents are documented and acknowledged. As the WVCBP aptly put it, “Mr. Burks’s family showed us that accountability will only come when we demand it.”
What specific improvements to data collection does teh Thomas Protocol introduce?
Raleigh County Man Honored with New Inmate Death Reporting System
Recognizing Excellence in Correctional Data Openness
A Raleigh County,West Virginia,resident,David A. Thomas, has been posthumously honored for his pivotal role in developing a new, standardized system for reporting inmate deaths within correctional facilities. This system, now being implemented statewide, aims to improve data accuracy, transparency, and ultimately, accountability in the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR). Thomas, a former data analyst with the WVDCR, dedicated years to identifying inconsistencies and gaps in existing reporting procedures. His work directly led to the creation of the “Thomas Protocol,” a thorough framework for documenting and investigating in-custody fatalities.
The Genesis of the Thomas Protocol: Addressing Systemic Issues
Prior to the implementation of the Thomas Protocol, inmate death reporting in West Virginia, like in many states, lacked uniformity. This resulted in:
Inconsistent Data Collection: Different facilities utilized varying methods for recording critical data surrounding an inmate’s death.
Delayed Reporting: Timeliness was frequently enough compromised, hindering thorough investigations.
Limited Transparency: Public access to accurate and detailed information was restricted.
Difficulty in Trend Analysis: Identifying patterns and potential systemic issues contributing to in-custody deaths was challenging.
Thomas recognized these deficiencies and began advocating for a standardized approach. He meticulously researched best practices from othre states and collaborated with correctional officers,medical professionals,and legal experts to develop a robust and user-pleasant system. Inmate mortality rates, correctional facility oversight, and death in custody investigations were central to his focus.
Key features of the New Inmate Death Reporting System
The Thomas Protocol encompasses several key features designed to address the shortcomings of the previous system:
- Standardized Reporting Forms: A unified set of forms ensures all facilities collect the same essential data points, including medical history, circumstances surrounding the death, and details of any investigations conducted.
- Mandatory Timelines: Strict deadlines are established for reporting deaths and completing investigations, promoting promptness and accountability.
- Centralized Database: All data is entered into a secure, centralized database accessible to authorized personnel within the WVDCR and, with appropriate redactions, to the public. This enhances data accessibility and facilitates public records requests.
- Independent Review Board: An independent review board, comprised of medical examiners, legal professionals, and community representatives, will oversee the implementation and effectiveness of the system.
- Enhanced Training: Comprehensive training programs are being rolled out to all correctional staff on proper reporting procedures and investigative techniques. correctional officer training is a vital component of the system’s success.
Benefits of Increased Transparency and Accountability
The implementation of the Thomas protocol is expected to yield notable benefits:
Improved Data Quality: Standardized data collection will lead to more accurate and reliable statistics on inmate mortality.
Enhanced Investigations: Timely and comprehensive reporting will facilitate more thorough and effective investigations into in-custody deaths.
Increased Accountability: Greater transparency will hold correctional facilities and staff accountable for ensuring inmate safety.
Identification of Systemic Issues: Data analysis will help identify patterns and trends that may indicate systemic problems within the correctional system.
Public Trust: Increased transparency will foster greater public trust in the WVDCR. Prison reform advocates have lauded the move.
The Legacy of David A. thomas
David A. Thomas’s dedication to improving correctional data transparency serves as an inspiration. His commitment to accuracy and accountability has left a lasting impact on the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.The naming of the new system in his honor is a testament to his unwavering efforts and a reminder of the importance of continuous improvement in the pursuit of justice and inmate welfare. The Raleigh County community has expressed immense pride in his contribution.
Resources and Further Information
West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: https://www.wvdoc.gov/
national Institute of Corrections: https://nicic.gov/
Bureau of Justice Statistics: [https://bjs.ojp.gov/](https://bjs.ojp.
