''Jail suicide and prevention: Lessons from litigation''

Author(s): Gunther, D.

Journal/Book: Crisis Interv Time Ltd Treat. 1997; 3: C/O Stbs Ltd, PO Box 90, Reading, Berks, England RG1 8JL. Harwood Acad Publ GmbH. 229-244.

Abstract: Despite years of accumulating knowledge about the nature of custodial suicides and--just as important--how to prevent them, many jails still fail to install necessary preventative measures. In fact, jail suicides persist, even though many are foreseeable and preventable. This study offers an examination of 77 jail suicide lawsuits in which problems related to key areas of institutional policy and custom are scrutinized; namely, insufficient staff, maintaining inadequate training and supervision, deficient jail conditions, lack of written rules and procedures to screen and monitor potentially suicidal detainees, and overcrowding. Our findings reveal distinct patterns in jail suicide litigation which reflect specific problems in institutional policy and custom. From a policy perspective, these lessons from litigation support the need for comprehensive suicide prevention programs in jails.

Note: Article VS-Card Welch M, Rutgers State Univ, Adm Justice, POB 5062-LIVINGSTON, New Brunswick,NJ 08903 USA

Keyword(s): jail suicide; litigation; prevention; POPULATION

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