NCJ Number
140587
Journal
Jail Suicide Update Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1992),complete issue
Date Published
1992
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This publication describes the proactive approach of a Hawaiian police department to jail suicide prevention and assesses the mental health services in Louisiana jails.
Abstract
The police department of Maui County (Hawaii) established a proactive approach to jail suicide prevention following the death of Angela Monroe in April 1989 and a subsequent lawsuit. The program included staff training, procedures to screen all inmates upon admission, procedures for staff communication regarding potentially suicidal inmates, adequate supervision of potentially suidical inmates, intervention procedures, reporting, and followup and review. In Louisiana, a consulting team assessed mental health needs and services by means of site visits to 15 jails, 8 State prisons, and 2 Federal correctional facilities. Results revealed that jails vary greatly in physical facilities, management philosophy, staff training, and resources. Findings indicated that while the administrative and security staff of many jails are concerned about the mentally disordered inmate, many jails are struggling against financial, logistical, and philosophical barriers to provide even minimal mental health care. Some reforms can be achieved at little cost, while others require major efforts.