NCJ Number
115009
Journal
National Sheriff Volume: 40 Issue: 6 Dated: (December 1988/January 1989) Pages: 42-44
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the findings of a two-phase survey that solicited information on the incidence of inmate suicide in U.S. jails during 1985 and/or 1986 and data on factors in jail suicides in 1986.
Abstract
Phase I obtained information on the incidence of suicides in 16,483 jails. Data were obtained not only from jail authorities but from other agencies having data on jail suicides. A total of 854 jail suicides occurred in 1985-86 (453 in 1985 and 401 in 1986). In phase II, data were received on 339 jail suicides that occurred in 1986. Data cover victims' race, sex, age, marital status, offense for which detained, confinement status, intoxication state at the time of incarceration, and the time period of the suicides. Other data cover the suicide mode, when the suicide occurred in the course of detention, and the screening procedure used for the suicide victims. Most of the findings from the present study are consistent with a similar 1981 study. Most of the key indicators -- offense, intoxication, method/instrument, isolation, and length of incarceration -- evidenced the same value over time. Experience indicates that almost all jail suicides can be averted through prevention programs that include written rules and procedures, staff training, intake screening, communication between staff, and inmate-staff interaction.