NCJ Number
113130
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This two-phase study examined the incidence of jail suicides nationwide and the characteristics of such suicides.
Abstract
In the first phase, questionnaires were sent to 16,483 jails (holding and detention facilities) and to State and county medical examiners and other jail liaison agencies. Newspaper clippings also were reviewed. Results identified 453 jail suicides in 1985 and 401 in 1986. During phase 2, data were obtained for 339 of the inmate suicides identified in phase 1. Results show that of victims, 72 percent were white, 94 percent were male, 52 percent were single, 74 percent were detained on nonviolent charges, 60 percent were intoxicated at time of incarceration, and 94 percent hung themselves. Average age of the victim was 30. Holding facilities comprised 30 percent and detention facilities 70 percent of inmate suicides. While certain signs and symptoms exhibited by detainees may foretell a possible suicide and aid in its prevention, 89 percent of these suicide victims were not screened during booking/intake. With minor variations, these findings were similar to those of a 1979 study of jail suicides. A comparison of 1986 inmate suicide rates with those in the general population indicate that the rate in detention facilities is about nine times greater. Reduction of jail suicide rates will require a proactive prevention program including staff training, screening, and improved communication. 1 table.