Records show 16 inmates have died in recent years at the Prince George's County correctional center, nearly half from homicides and suicides.

An analysis by The Washington Post shows the jail's mortality rate is above those in many cities. Inmate safety in the county has drawn scrutiny since the apparent strangulation of 19-year-old Ronnie White in June. White had been charged with killing a county police officer.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 85 percent of the nation's jails have no deaths in a typical year. Between 2000 and 2005, Prince George's jail had the third-highest death total in Maryland after Baltimore and Baltimore County.

County Public Safety Director Vernon Herron says it's unfair to compare the jail with others.

Correctional officers have complained of overcrowding. Bunk beds are often used in common areas for an overflow of about 200 inmates.

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