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The Effect of Incarceration on Mortality

Author

Listed:
  • Samuel Norris

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Matthew Pecenco

    (Brown University)

  • Jeffrey Weaver

    (University of Southern California)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effect of incarceration on mortality using administrative data from Ohio between 1992 and 2017. We first document that long-run survival is higher among the incarcerated than similar nonincarcerated defendants. Using event study designs centered around the time of release, we show why: mortality risk halves during the period of incarceration, with large reductions in murders, overdoses, and natural causes of death. However, incarceration does not increase postrelease mortality, and so the overall effect is increased longevity. These estimates reflect the high-risk environment faced by defendants when not incarcerated and suggest noncarceral policies to reduce these risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel Norris & Matthew Pecenco & Jeffrey Weaver, 2024. "The Effect of Incarceration on Mortality," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 106(4), pages 956-973, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:tpr:restat:v:106:y:2024:i:4:p:956-973
    DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_01224
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