NCJ Number
175914
Date Published
1997
Length
118 pages
Annotation
The strategy of the Scottish Prison Service for preventing inmate suicide was evaluated with respect to the identification of inmates at risk of suicide, communication among staff regarding inmates identified at risk and care of inmates identified as at risk.
Abstract
The research was initiated in 1994 due to the unexplained and rapid increase in the overall suicide rate among males and younger age groups in Scottish prisons. The Scottish Prison Service initiated the development of a suicide prevention strategy in April 1992 to address identification, communication, and are of suicidal inmates. The Prison Service now has a standardized form of assessment for all incoming inmates. However, it appears that nurse officers are inappropriately classifying a large number of incoming inmates as at risk and may be overusing the highest-risk classification. A set procedure now exists for communicating information regarding inmates at risk, but lines of communication appear fragmented in certain areas. The suicide prevention strategy document highlights the need for humane care, but guidelines for humane care have not been met in some institutions. Findings suggest the need for several actions to address these issues. Recommendations, tables, figure, and 45 references