Title: Preventing Suicide in Prison Inmates - Psychiatry Advisor
Headings: Preventing Suicide in Prison Inmates
Preventing Suicide in Prison Inmates
Linda Peckel
Patterns of Suicide in Prison
Today’s Top Picks for You on Psychiatry Advisor
Attempted Suicide
Methods and Opportunities
Prevention Strategies
References
Topics:

Content: 4
Prevention Strategies
Although the rates of suicide in prisons have decreased with the implementation of known screening programs and suicide prevention strategies, there is still a long way to go. According to the 2013 Hayes report, “many jail suicides occur in facilities lacking comprehensive suicide prevention programs, with only 20% having written policies encompassing all the essential components.” 2
Hayes 2 and others outlined the essential features of an effective suicide prevention program, which include annual training and retraining of all correctional, medical, and mental health staff; evaluations of inmates at intake and ongoing screening/assessment for suicide risk; and procedures for effective communication about prisoner state of mind and suicide risk between outside entities (particularly from local jail transport) and correctional facilities, and between facility staff and the suicidal inmate. Physical prevention strategies need to include suicide-resistant housing and clothing, as well as restrictions and careful supervision during showers, telephone calls, and visiting hours, commensurate with risk level. Procedures for emergency response to a suicide attempt include prompt reporting to the facility’s chain of command and notification of the family of a suicide victim, as well as multidisciplinary examination of the inmate suicide through a mortality review. “ Correctional facility officials should not conclude that an inmate suicide was not preventable unless they have demonstrated that their facility initiated and maintained a comprehensive suicide prevention program,” Hayes wrote. “The role of suicide risk assessment is a complicated area,” Dr Fazel cautioned. “ Identification and rapid evidence-based treatment of drug and alcohol withdrawal, and identification and clear pathways to treatment for prisoners with mental illness, are important.