NCJ Number
138271
Date Published
Unknown
Length
21 pages
Annotation
Correctional officers should use this handbook to help them in identifying and managing suicidal inmates. This daily reference contains information regarding inmates' behaviors, statements, or past experiences which may indicate suicidal risk.
Abstract
The first section highlights the critical time and phases of an inmate's incarceration when he is mostly likely to attempt suicide. Signs of suicide include depression, hopelessness, and other warning symptoms. Some myths and misconceptions about suicide are discussed and rebutted. The relationships between suicide and mental illness or substance abuse are outlined. Correctional officers must learn good communications skills, positive interaction techniques, and suicide prevention tools. Some such tools include staying alert, making assessments, communicating, supervising, making interventions, and clarifying questions.