NCJ Number
129128
Date Published
1990
Length
173 pages
Annotation
An inspection of the Leeds prison in England in December 1989 formed the basis of an analysis of the causes of inmate suicides and other self-inflicted harm and recommendations for changes to prevent future incidents.
Abstract
The research also focused on general prison conditions and inmate programs. The analysis showed that the prison was overcrowded and lacked proper sanitation facilities. Inmates also lacked appropriate programs. Suicides and many cases of self-inflicted harm had occurred on B wing, where inmates under age 21 were held, and staff were tense and concerned that future such incidents would occur. Results also showed that the main cause of these incidents was the cumulative psychological effect of being held in small, overcrowded cells with no activities for most of the day and with delayed responses to requests to go to the toilet. Findings suggested the need to reduce overcrowding, install proper sanitation, respond more promptly to the ringing of cell bells, and, above all, provide more healthy and useful occupations for those detained before trial. Additional recommendations, descriptions of inmate programs and services, and appended tables and background information.