Aggregate-Level Study of Inmate Suicides and Deaths Due to Natural Causes in U.S. Jails

• NCJ Number: 139419
• Journal: Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1992) Pages: 466-480
• Author(s): J D Wooldredge; L T Winfree Jr
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Cross-sectional and longitudinal data from 204 jails holding adult males were used to examine the possible influences on the numbers of inmate suicides and natural deaths.

Abstract

The data covered 1978, 1983, and 1988. Suicides and deaths due to natural causes were examined separately. Results revealed that both inmate suicides and natural deaths became less prevalent over time in larger facilities and in jails where medical tests of inmates at intake were added. Inmate suicides also became less prevalent in jails where the ratio of staff to inmates increased. Inmate deaths due to natural causes also declined in jails where standards of humane confinement were implemented, in facilities that experienced a decline in the degree of inmate crowding, and in jails where infirmaries designed for overnight stays were added. Findings indicated that inmate suicides may be reduced by increasing the ratio of staff to inmates and by adding medical tests at intake. Inmate deaths due to natural causes may also be reduced by implementing standards of humane confinement, reducing the degree of inmate crowding, adding medical tests at intake, and providing infirmaries with beds for overnight stays. Tables, notes, and 34 references (Author abstract modified)