NCJ Number
107383
Date Published
1987
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This manual examines prior research on suicides in jails and lockups, explores the responsibilities of the supervising agency, discusses several case studies, and presents architectural and management strategies to reduce the desire and opportunity to commit suicide.
Abstract
Research has shown the timing and methods of inmate suicides and characteristics of inmates attempting suicide. Case studies show the need for separation and close supervision of suicidal prisoners and the effectiveness of a suicide prevention program. County officials and corrections officials need to understand court requirements to avoid potential liability for falling short of these requirements. Negligence has become a central concept in court decisions. Management techniques and 16 specific management strategies for preventing suicide are presented. The role of architecture in suicide is also examined, and 31 architectural strategies are presented for reducing inmate suicides. The guidelines emphasize that the best assurance against suicide is screening individuals to determine the suicide risk they present and then continually monitoring individuals at risk throughout the critical first hours of incarceration. They also note that reducing opportunities for suicide is a more promising preventive strategy than is trying to change suicidal motivations. 22 references, appended checklists, and quiz on suicide assessment and prevention.