NCJ Number
97940
Date Published
Unknown
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This guide lists suicidal types, debunks myths about suicide, details a method for interacting with a suicidal inmate, and provides a suicide prevention policy guide.
Abstract
Suicidal types include seriously depressed inmates, manipulative and impulsive inmates, and anyone confined to jail. Both physical signs of depression and behavioral warning signs, such as social withdrawal and suicide gestures, are delineated. The guide lists seven types of self-destructive behavior, from active suicide to psychotic conditions. Effects of incarceration, such as uncertainty and frustration, are listed. Four categories of reacting are noted. The guide also outlines four critical stages of incarceration, including the initial arrest and the return from a bond hearing or trial. The mentally disturbed and jail suicide are characterized. The roles of the jail officer in preventing the suicide of an inmate abusing drugs and alcohol are cited. Verbal and behavioral clues that indicate an inmate may be considering suicide are noted. Descriptive data on jail suicides occurring between August 1978 and April 1984 are provided, and intervention and interaction techniques are discussed. Fables about suicide are refuted; a suicide risk assessment instrument is supplied. Methods of observing inmates, including the use of television monitors, are listed. A suicide prevention policy chapter concludes the guide. Three references and 9 tables are included.