There were 36 deaths across the state’s local and regional jails in 2015 and 42 in 2016, according to a legislative report. At least 33 people have died in Virginia jails so far this year, according to information provided by Kinney and included in the Board of Corrections meeting packet on Wednesday.

The board will decide which deaths to investigate based on initial incident reports that reveal whether the person likely died of natural causes. Board members currently receive a dated listing of significant incidents with descriptions ranging from two to seven words: erroneous release; weapon discharge-no injuries; death in custody-apparent suicide by hanging.

It’s not enough, said Bobby Vassar, board vice chairman.

“There’s an expectation — and it feels heavy — with the review of deaths,” Vassar said. “Suppose there’s a question (about a death) and it’s, ‘What did the board do?’ We need to be in a position that is at least reflecting that we’re looking at the issue. We at least need to be able to say that we’re aware.”

A subcommittee of board members assigned to lead death reviews scheduled a meeting for itself on Nov. 15, with plans to begin work regardless of whether a hire has been made.

“At this point we don’t have a staff person so we’ve got to kind of get it figured out among ourselves,” said Francis, a retired Southampton County sheriff. “Whomever that person is, we’ve got to give them some sense of direction on what to do.”