NCJ Number
138759
Journal
Jail Suicide Update Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1991) Pages: 1-8
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Due to several jail suicide attempts on the island of Maui, Hawaii, and the death of Angelia Monroe in 1989, the Maui County Police Department has become proactive in its approach to jail suicide prevention.
Abstract
Following the death of Monroe, an autopsy revealed that she had scars on her left wrist consistent with a prior suicide attempt. This information was not available to jail staff during Monroe's incarceration because the Maui County Police Department did not require that detainees be screened for suicide and/or mental health risk. Shortly after Monroe's suicide, the police department decided to install closed circuit television in all cells to enhance detainee supervision. In addition, following a lawsuit and trial in 1991, the police department agreed to pay the Monroe family $20,000 and to implement a suicide prevention program in its jail facilities. The program was designed to focus on screening inmates for risk of suicide, determining the best area in jails for the placement and surveillance of potentially suicidal inmates, providing initial and continuing suicide prevention training for jail personnel, and providing appropriate medical care to high-risk suicide inmates. It is envisioned that the program will help the Maui County Police Department respond more adequately to future incidents of suicidal behavior. The police department's intake screening form is included.