Risk Factors for Custodial Suicide

In one of many studies on how to prevent custodial suicides, a multi-level approach was examined in which risk factors of both the prison environment and the individual were considered. The goal was to reduce the number of preventable in-custody fatalities. The following are among the findings based on multinational data:

• The risk of suicide in U.S. jails is 3 times greater for male inmates compared to males in the general male population.
• Female prisoners in U.S. jails are 9 times more likely to die from suicide as the general population of females.
• Risk factors on the individual level that are linked to inmates suicide were identified in a study conducted in 2016. Those risk factors include a history of self-harm, prior treatment for mental issues, prior history of suicide attempts, suicide in the family history, a brief stay of 30 days or less in the jail, and mental health problems such as symptoms of depression, psychosis, or anxiety disorders.
• Higher rates of overcrowding in prisons are linked to higher rates of suicide, though it was determined that overcrowding alone is not likely to increase prisoner suicide.
• Across the globe, staff shortages contribute to inmate suicide.
• Interventions on both the individual level and jail level should be targeted to reduce the number of preventable custodial suicides.

See Part 1 and Part 2 of this ongoing series.

Making any implications of wrongdoing on the part of persons or organizations is never intended on this website. Each post is meant as a resource to benefit Texas county jail inmates who are currently or previously incarcerated.

–Guest Contributor