Monitoring and managing the suicidal prisoner

Summary

In this paper, we have examined a number of measures that can be used by correctional and health personnel to protect the suicidal inmate. Not every measure is suited for every jail. Correctional and health services personnel must design a suicide prevention program based on the particular requirements of their facility. One person should be given the responsibility for overseeing the development and implementation of the program. This would include preparing policies and procedures for the supervision of the suicidal inmate, creating a safe environment for the prisoner at risk, and coordinating the work of correctional and health services personnel.

Even in the best run jails, prisoner suicides can and do occur. The measures outlined in this paper can be used to minimize the risk of these occurrences. Although these measures may require significant fiscal expenditures, we believe that the longterm cost savings will more than offset the short-term costs and contribute immeasurably to the efficient management of the correctional facility in which they are employed.