NCJ Number
9483
Date Published
1972
Length
21 pages
Annotation
THE HIGH SUICIDE RATE IN THE NEW YORK CITY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS TRIGGERED THIS REPORT WHICH URGES OFFICIAL ACTION ON A NUMBER OF SUGGESTIONS FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION.
Abstract
THE RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDED ARE THE RESULTS OF DISCUSSIONS WITH HEADS OF INSTITUTIONS, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS PERSONNEL, CITY MEDICAL OFFICIALS, BOARD OF CORRECTIONS HEARINGS, AND INTENSIVE INVESTIGATIONS INTO INDIVIDUAL SUICIDE CASES. THE MOST IMPORTANT SUGGESTION IS THE IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION OF PSYCHIATRIC FACILITIES ELIMINATING MENTAL OBSERVATION CELLS AND REPLACING THEM WITH DORMITORY-LIKE AREAS. ALSO RECOMMENDED IS ROUND-THE-CLOCK PSYCHIATRIC COVERAGE FOR SUICIDE-PRONE INMATES. A MAXIMUM EFFORT IS NECESSARY TO INFORM ALL INSTITUTIONAL PERSONNEL ABOUT POTENTIALLY SUICIDAL INMATES.