A 40 year old Aboriginal man has died after he was found collapsed at Acacia Prison, 56 kilometres north-east of Perth, on Friday.
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice confirmed medical and custodial officers attempted to revive the man but were unsuccessful.
“While there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances, the Western Australian Police Force is investigating,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The Department of Justice will conduct an internal review and a Coronial Inquest will follow as per the usual protocol for any death in custody.
This is the first Aboriginal death in custody recorded in Western Australia this year.
According to research by the - Western Australia has recorded more than 50 Aboriginal deaths in custody since 2008.
On Monday, highlighting the state's high death in custody rates and standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement after the death of African-American man George Floyd who died following an encounter with police officers.
Acacia Prison is privately run by service provider Serco Australia.
More to follow.
