Suicide in custody represents a double tragedy. There is both the loss of a human life, as well as the failure by the criminal Justice system to protect those whose behavior has brought them into the custody of the state.
This is especially important given the large numbers of persons with mental illness who are currently incarcerated. To better understand the phenomenon of Jail/custody suicide, an examination of its extent and impact is in order.In a more recent discussion of Jail suicide, Hayes (2003) estimates there are close to 200 prison suicides per year and teen 400 and 600 Jail suicides per year. Jails and prisons must have a suicide prevention program that has written protocols.
Jail programs must have specific procedures for early assessments. Suicide is a leading cause of death among persons confined to correctional facilities even though it is largely preventable through a well functioning mental health program.Prisoners are especially at risk for suicide when first admitted to a Jail. For example, 50% of Jail suicides occur in the first 24 hours and 27% occur during the first 3 hours after admission. Health and custody staff must be rained to recognize warning signs of suicidal intent and devise appropriate plans to safeguard life (world health organization). There are many manuals written for the signs and prevention of suicide, but most inmates are not prepared for what they are getting ready to endure.
First off, they are being punished, so anything that they get other than three meals, toilet paper, small toothbrush, small tube of toothpaste, 2 sheets, one towel, one washcloth, one comb, one bar of soap and a mat is a privilege. If you don't have a phone card, you have no contact with your family members. If our family members don't know how to set the phone up to accept your calls, you can tell them on visiting day which is a grand total of 15 minutes a week. The females are locked up 24 hours a day.They are supposed to go outside once a week, but if the correction officer is busy, they can go for weeks without seeing the sunshine. Cardboard lines the windows, so they are banded from seeing outside.
Time has no meaning because there are no goals to reach, nothing to look forward to. First and foremost, there needs to be more training of what to look for as far as signs of suicide. I agree with this. People have many more privileges in prison than in Jail. I think that people deserve to be treated like humans even if they have committed a crime. Dogs are treated better.
At least dogs get to see the outside.There are people going through drug withdrawal in Jails and are given two Ethylene at four dollars when you get money on your account. That must really help a lot. The only happiness in Jail is camaraderie that you share when you're trapped in a cell with 10-15 females per day, a letter and a phone call. The men are housed 2-4 in a much smaller cell and get out 2 hours a day to go to a larger cell to play cards, talk, whatever. You've lost your freedom, your rights, your wants and needs.
I do not believe that there is a manual large enough to prevent suicides in Jails until they make it more bearable for human beings.Inmates in Jails are under camera surveillance 24 hours a day in our local Jail. The women are required to stay dressed all day because men monitor them because of the shortage of female Jailers. In conclusion, you are euthanized when you enter a Jail cell. My answers to prevention of suicide/self-in]rigorous behavior among detainees don't depend so much on manuals and training, the answer to prevention is CHANGE. Closer screening of Jailers.
They, like police officers, have power and they abuse their power. Jailers need to be nonjudgmental and compassionate.These inmates are awaiting trial and really may be innocent. Some are there awaiting a bed in rehabilitation centers. 0 Better mental health training instead off 15-minute questionnaire with a nurse. Because drugs and alcohol are linked to 80% of crime, Jails should offer ANNA group meetings with a representative who comes to the Jail 2-3 times a week.
Meetings are usually an hour in the outside world. They should be an hour for inmates. These elf-help groups are free and you keep your sobriety by giving your experience, strength and hope to people who need it.The representative could bring literature, have open discussion meetings, and share their story. One thing inmates need in Jail is HOPE and if you meet someone who you share a common bond with who has beat an addiction, hope surfaces.
The representative sits in a chair outside the door with the small window open where trays are delivered through. So, all who visit Jail inmates in this form are safe. 0 Opportunity for spiritual healing. A preacher, any preacher should come on Sunday and sit at the door window. They should ask questions, preach and teach.Wednesday night Bible study groups.
Instead of one sheet of paper, it would be nice to have notebook (without spirals of course) and a pencil longer than a golf tee pencil with no eraser. 0 Some inmates didn't finished school. GEED books to study for when they are released would give inmates hope of accomplishment. Other inmates who have graduated would offer encouragement and help. It would pass time and that's what it's all about.
0 The ability to be outside and be apart of the outside world for at least 20 minutes a day. That's good for your soul.Prisoners have access to prison libraries; Jail inmates should have the same privilege, Softbank books of course. These detainees are getting ready to face a Judge and may end up in prison for a long time, should they not have the right to learn their crime convictions, chances and weigh out their choices? 0 Some inmates are victims of sexual, mental, verbal and physical abuse. There are self-help groups in the free world willing to volunteer their expertise and help with their suggestions and give information for follow-up after departure from Jail.
0 Finally, books on parenting.
