Jail Suicide Prevention: Research, Litigation and Training (From Issues in Correctional Training and Casework, Volume 4, P 7-12, 1988, Bruce I Wolford and Pam Lawrenz, eds.)

• NCJ Number: 119282
• Author(s): L M Hayes
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): GO-3
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Corrections
• Sale Source: American Correctional Association; Eastern Kentucky University
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Paper presented at the Fourth Annual Correctional Symposium, Lexington, Ky., and at the Third Annual National Correctional Trainers Conference, Pittsburgh

Annotation

Jail suicide prevention takes many forms and should include a basic understanding of research, litigation, and training.

Abstract

Suicide is the leading cause of death in jails, but experience indicates that almost all suicides can be averted with proactive jail administration and a prevention program that includes staff training, written rules and procedures, intake screening, staff communication, and human interaction. The primary element of jail suicide prevention is a capable and properly trained staff. Warning signs of suicidal behavior and reasons why jail environments are conducive to such behavior are noted. Existing research on jail suicides and basic concepts of liability are reviewed. 9 references. (Author abstract modified)