NCJ Number
191624
Journal
Prison Review International Issue: 1 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 131-133
Date Published
July 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses reducing suicide risks in correctional facilities.
Abstract
Suicide is the leading cause of death in jails and the third leading cause of inmate deaths in prisons, behind natural causes and HIV/AIDS. Most suicides are preventable and there is an ethical and legal responsibility for correctional facilities to act accordingly. A suicide prevention program is necessary for protection of inmates and the legal protection of correctional facilities themselves. The main features of a suicide prevention program are identification of suicidal inmates, ensuring their safety during a suicide watch, and emergency response to a suicide attempt. Characteristics of suicidal inmates that should be used in screening during facility intake include: suffering from depression and feelings of hopelessness; alcohol and/or substance abuse; recent experience of major stress; history of psychiatric disorders, suicide attempts, or expression of intent to commit suicide; and lack of support system of family or friends. As hanging is the method used in 95 percent of successful suicide attempts, suicide-proofing a cell involves eliminating any protrusion that may be used to secure a noose. Emergency response is to immediately free the victim from the noose while carefully supporting the neck and head, and to attempt resuscitation. Figure, references