NCJ Number
228802
Date Published
September 2009
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This paper critiques two alternative inmate suicide prevention policies used by correctional facilities in Louisiana and Kentucky, with attention to technical feasibility, economic efficiency, political viability, and administrative operability.
Abstract
Both of the suicide prevention policies examined have produced favorable results. Either policy can give a correctional facility more options in suicide prevention. One of the policies was developed for the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center (EHCC) in St. Gabriel, LA. EHCC is the central mental health facility and medical center for minimum-security and medium-security inmates who are seriously and chronically ill. Each year, staff training involves 2 hours of instruction in potential suicide recognition and intervention for administrative, managerial, correctional, mental health, and medical personnel. The EHCC has two locations that house inmates placed on suicide watch. A standard suicide watch is ordered for inmates who are not currently suicidal, but have a history of suicide attempts or have expressed thoughts of suicide. An extreme suicide watch is ordered when an inmate is judged to be a continual risk for self-destructive, suicidal behavior. Schedules for inmate observation vary from 5-minute to 15-minute intervals. In the event a suicide is attempted, staff has been trained in first aid and CPR. Over a period of 12 years, the EHCC has experienced only one completed suicide. The Jefferson County Corrections Department in Louisville, KY, uses other inmates to watch over inmates placed under a suicide watch. Upon admission to the facility, inmates are administered a suicide-risk checklist. Inmates identified as posing a suicide risk are placed in a single cell for observation. Inmate volunteers assigned to observe other inmates at risk of suicide are selected based on their maturity, emotional stability, and a commitment to the program's goals and objectives. The sergeant has an approved inmate watcher list. 20 references and appended supplementary data and information