Suicide Prevention

Introduction: Inmate suicide is one of the most serious problems facing correctional facilities today, both from a human tragedy and liability standpoint. Each individual officer is responsible for understanding all aspects of Suicide Prevention. The purpose of a Suicide Policy is to increase awareness and provide the information needed to identify and manage the potentially suicidal inmate.

Suicide Myths and Facts People who discuss suicide don’t do it. Fact: 8 out of 10 who have committed suicide discussed it before hand.

Suicide Myths and Facts Suicide happens without warning. Fact People who are suicidal exhibit signs.

Suicide Myths and Facts Suicidal people are intent on dying. Fact Most suicidal people have mixed feelings.

Suicide Myths and Facts People who have attempted suicide will not attempt it again. Fact 80% of suicides have made prior attempts.

Suicide Myths and Facts You can’t stop someone intent on committing suicide. Fact Most suicidal people want to be rescued.

Suicide Myths and Facts If you discuss suicide with an inmate, it may lead them to suicidal thoughts or actions. Fact You can’t make someone suicidal by sharing your interest in their well being.

Suicide Myths and Facts All suicidal individuals are mentally ill. Fact Although unhappy, the suicidal individual may not be mentally ill.

3 Main Areas “Why” Inmates Commit Suicide Internal Feelings External Environment Facility Environment

Critical Times Suicides Can Occur More than half of inmate suicides occur within the first 24 hours. From the hours of midnight to 8AM During shift change. During weekends.

Critical Times That Could Stimulate Suicidal Behavior Time of entry into the facility. Failure to make bail. Times of legal decisions. Significant dates. After other suicides or suicide attempts. After visits.

Warning Signs of Suicide Talk of suicide either direct, indirect, or jokingly. Lack of close family or friends. Recent critical loss. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Detainee with mental problems or psychiatric history. Expressions of guilt or shame. Evidence of prior suicide attempts. Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness.

Depression A major warning sign of possible suicidal tendencies. Manifested by the following signs: Extreme sadness or crying. Unusually slow reactions or emotional flatness. Tenseness or agitation. Social withdrawal.

Emotional Warning Signs Extreme sadness or crying. Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. Tension or agitation. Emotional outbursts or flatness. Severe mood changes.

Behavioral Warning Signs Loss of appetite. Sleeping problems. Unusually slow reactions. Social withdrawal. Difficulties carrying out routine tasks. Giving away possessions. Talk of suicide: direct, indirect, or jokingly.

Suicide and Alcohol/Drug Abuse Slurred speech Needle marks Confusion Disorientation Memory loss Sensory motor impairment Redness or puffiness around the face Irritability Euphoria Aggressiveness Constricted pupils

High Risk Groups for Suicide First time offenders including younger inmates. Sexual offenders. Prominent community leaders. Non-masculine inmates who may be fearful of being raped or forced into sexual behaviors.

3 Types of Observation General Observation Suicide Observation Medical Observation

General Observations After receiving a lengthy sentence. Becoming physically assaultive. Being emotionally upset. Being placed in restraints. Demonstrating abnormal behavior. For personal safety. For the safety of others.

Suicide Observations There are 4 levels of Suicide Observation defined in the SOP: Level I – Constant Level II – 15 minutes Level III – 30 minutes Level IV – Buddy system

Medical Observations Solely determined by the Medical Department. Observation times will vary depending on the reason for inmate observation. Property allowances will vary depending on the reason for inmate observation.

Center Procedure Intake Security Classification

Legal Liabilities Legal liabilities may be a part of a successful suicide. It is important to have a policy set regarding prevention, screening, and the resolution for suicide and to train staff so that they may counter these issues. Deliberate Indifference, or the conscious decision to disregard someone in need, can be a legal liability. Suicide risk is a medical need not a weakness. If everyone is following policy, then there is no possibility of being Deliberately Indifferent.

Post Successful Suicide Treat the area as a Crime Scene!!!