NCJ Number
150969
Journal
Corrections Research Forum Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: January 1993 Pages: 25-28
Date Published
January 1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This analysis of inmate suicides in Canada concludes that the prediction and prevention of suicides are difficult in this high-risk setting and that corrections managers must understand the issues faced by front-line correctional personnel.
Abstract
Inmate suicides come in clusters, some of which may be explained and some of which may not. Such a cluster may be emerging across the country and may result from wider social factors such as an economic recession or prison overcrowding. Recent research has revealed that suicides are not more common in certain age ranges and is not significantly related to offense type or sentence type. Although useful research has not been done on prevention programs, most authors make suggestions on how correctional services should prevent suicides through both primary and secondary prevention efforts. In practice, attempted suicide is probably the most common way in which potentially suicidal inmates are identified. Little is known about clusters of suicide within prisons, except that they occur. Corrections managers should display consideration and respect for front-line staff, because this area has few clear guidelines. Well-intentioned calls to be more alert to suicide prevention are likely only to reduce morale. Tables, figure, and footnotes