NCJ Number
109796
Date Published
1986
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study identified variables in 18 jail inmate suicides and developed an expanded and statistically predictive set of causative variables to identify the suicidal potential in arrestees.
Abstract
The extensive analysis of each incident included reviews of documents submitted by all involved detention and police personnel, deposition testimony of all involved parties, litigation materials used in preparation for legal action, the history of management practices for each involved facility, and other pertinent information revealed during the investigation. Factors contained in the suicidal profile form constructed from the data are influence of alcohol or drugs, rejection by family or loved one, violent offense, confrontation with police after a family dispute, withdrawn, threat to harm self, aggressiveness toward officers, crying, sudden mood change, depression, and previous suicide attempts. Recommendations for preventing inmate suicides pertain to the use of the suicidal profile form to assess each inmate upon admission, staff training in suicide prevention, the use of appropriate forms to ensure that information on arrestee's behavior is transferred from the arresting officer to detention personnel, and ensurance that arrestees are not isolated nor provided with materials that could be used for suicide. 4 references.