Title: How often do prisoners die behind bars? - The Washington Post
Headings: How often do prisoners die behind bars?
How often do prisoners die behind bars?
Related:

Content: In 2010, the National Institute of Corrections released a report on jail suicides, outlining possible explanations for the problem. In short, they said, jails tended to exacerbate suicidal behavior: Story continues below advertisement
Experts theorize that two primary causes for jail suicide exist: ( 1) jail environments are conducive to suicidal behavior and (2) the inmate is facing a crisis situation. From the inmate’s perspective, certain features of the jail environment enhance suicidal behavior: fear of the unknown, distrust of an authoritarian environment, perceived lack of control over the future, isolation from family and significant others, shame of incarceration, and perceived dehumanizing aspects of incarceration. In addition, certain factors are prevalent among inmates facing a crisis situation that could predispose them to suicide: recent excessive drinking and/or drug use, recent loss of stabilizing resources, severe guilt or shame over the alleged offense, current mental illness, prior history of suicidal behavior, and approaching court date. In addition, some inmates simply are (or become) ill equipped to handle the common stresses of confinement. The report goes on to note that to prevent suicides, personnel need additional training, constant observation for people on suicide watch and a better screening process.