Suicide Prevention

1. Suicide Prevention

2. 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.

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

4. Suicide Myths and Facts • Myth: Suicide happens without warning. • Fact People who are suicidal exhibit signs.

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

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

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

8. Suicide Myths and Facts • Myth: 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.

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

10. 3 Main Areas “Why”Inmates Commit Suicide • Internal Feelings • External Environment • Facility Environment

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

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

16. 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.

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

18. 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.

19. 3 Types of Observation • General Observation • Suicide Observation • Medical Observation

20. 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.

21. 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

22. 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.

23. Center Procedure • Intake • Security • Classification

24. 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 theymay 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.

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