CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Criminal justice reform advocates are demanding an independent investigation be opened into the deaths of four ACI inmates within a three-month span.

In a letter sent Monday to R.I. Department of Corrections (RIDOC) Director Wayne Salisbury Jr., nine advocacy organizations also stressed the importance of fostering greater transparency and accountability.

“We are deeply concerned about both the limited information that the department has provided the families and the public about these deaths and the allegations that medical concerns raised by at least two of the individuals before their deaths were not treated with the urgency they deserved,” the letter reads. “This spate of deaths cries out for action.”

The organizations, which include the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, Amos House and Black Lives Matter Political Action Committee, do not “seek to cast blame” for the inmates’ deaths and acknowledged that there were likely “morbidities and health issues … beyond [RIDOC’s] control.”

But at the same time, the organizations hope RIDOC can agree that “four deaths in such a short period of time in a correctional system as small as Rhode Island’s is cause for great concern.”

“The secrecy surrounding these deaths only breeds mistrust,” the letter continues.

The organizations are asking RIDOC to support an independent investigation into the four deaths, as well as a string of inmate suicides that happened at the ACI last year.

“[The investigation] should include a close examination of the medical treatment and responses provided by medical staff and corrections officials during the prisoners’ time at the ACI, and recommendations for improvement,” the letter reads. “Such an investigation and ensuing recommendations could lead to the establishment of protocols that could help avert similar deaths in the future.”

The organizations also urged RIDOC to keep inmates’ families and the public informed on the status of the investigation and relevant updates.

In a statement to 12 News, RIDOC reassured everyone that an external investigation is already underway by the R.I. State Police, which is standard procedure.

“We understand that the death of someone while incarcerated can be particularly traumatic for families, and they understandably have questions,” the statement explains. “This year, the department has met with representatives from several community organizations on related issues and welcomes conversations about how RIDOC can improve public communications while maintaining family privacy and respecting ongoing investigations.”

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