TABLE 2—
Characteristics of Medically Detectable Injuries Reported in New York City Jails, January–April 2010
| Characteristic | Confirmed Injuries(n = 3062), No. (%) |
| Intentionality | |
| Unintentional | 979 (32) |
| Intentional | 2021 (66) |
| Unknown/data missing | 62 (2) |
| Reported cause | |
| Inmate-on-inmate fight | 1230 (40) |
| Slip or fall | 813 (27) |
| Use of force | 369 (12) |
| Self-inflicted | 254 (8) |
| Occupational | 85 (3) |
| Alleged attack by staff | 63 (2) |
| Attack by unknown assailant | 57 (2) |
| Vehicle | 21 (< 1) |
| Environmental | 15 (< 1) |
| Seizure related | 15 (< 1) |
| Other | 46 (2) |
| Data missing | 94 |
| Type of injury | |
| Soft tissue injury (contusion, no fracture concern) | 1694 (55) |
| Skin and soft tissue injury (abrasion, laceration) | 1262 (41) |
| Possible fracture | 856 (28) |
| Head injury | 398 (13) |
| Neck/spinal injury | 172 (6) |
| Chemical burn | 109 (4) |
| Foreign body | 61 (2) |
| Asphyxiation | 58 (2) |
| Dental | 43 (1) |
| Sexual assault | 16 (< 1) |
| Splash | 14 (< 1) |
| Other | 23 (< 1) |
| Data missing | 93 |
| Location/area in which injury reportedly occurred | |
| Housing | 895 (29) |
| Common areaa | 593 (19) |
| Shower | 309 (10) |
| Recreation area | 163 (5) |
| Intake/holding pen | 146 (5) |
| Transportation/court | 110 (4) |
| Occupational setting | 80 (3) |
| School | 59 (2) |
| Clinic | 49 (2) |
| Visit area | 22 (1) |
| Search by Department of Correction | 16 (< 1) |
| Other | 42 (1) |
| Data missing | 578 (19) |
a
Including mess hall, dayroom, and corridors.