The Toll of Execution Work
More than 1,550 people have been executed in the U.S. over the past 50 years. Hundreds of workers have played a role in carrying out each of those executions. Few in the public know who these workers are or what their jobs require. NPR investigative reporter Chiara Eisner spoke with 26 current and former workers who were collectively involved with more than 200 executions across 17 states and the federal system. In this episode, Eisner speaks with host Rachel Martin about the physical, mental and emotional toll that executions take on the executioners.