NCJ Number
129108
Journal
American Jails Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: (January/February) Pages: 24-27
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Recommendations are presented for a national policy change in the management of suicides in custody based on New York State's approach.
Abstract
The New York approach emphasizes the importance of the correctional officer in assessing suicide risk in inmates. Failure to prevent suicide in 90 cases on which the author served as an expert witness is attributed to mental health personnel focus on one-on-one clinical interviews, overlooking past histories, impact of custodial environment, situational and stress factors, and depression. Secret suicide plans of inmates, manipulation syndrome, limited contact of mental health professionals with inmates, hardcore professionalism, inmate fear of forensic mental health workers and improper evaluation of the mental health personnel also contributed to the failed suicide assessment. A team effort of the correctional officer with the support of mental health personnel will prevent suicides in custody provided both are properly trained. The training curriculum should cover suicide and health screening on admissions; suicide prevention training; policies; communication procedures; intervention techniques; documentation; and medical, mental health, and administrative reviews.