Tyler Thomas Ross entered Bell County Jail on July 3, 2023. He was placed in a temporary holding cell. The deputies soon found Mr. Ross hanging by his neck in the cell. Lifesaving measures were performed, and he was transported to Baylor Scott and White Hospital. Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey pronounced Mr. Ross deceased on July 11, 2023. The address of Bell County Jail is 1201 Huey Dr, Belton, TX 76513.

Are Jails Proactive about Adopting Suicide Prevention Strategies?

Between 2000 and 2004, 22% of all local jail suicides occurred within the first 24 hours of incarceration. That number for the years 2015 through 2019 had dropped to 12%. Was anything done differently that made the drastic change? Did awareness of the frequency of suicides within the first 24 hours result in many saved lives?

Another statistic that suggests strategies that may help prevent jail suicides is the following:

• Nearly 90% of suicides in local jails were the result of hanging and self-strangulation.

In many jails in the U.S., when inmates are identified as suicidal, they are placed in a hang-resistant or hang-proof cell. For instance, there are no objects from which a person can anchor a noose. Towel hooks should be removed. The sink’s spigots and water handles should be designed so that they can’t be used as an anchor.

Learn more in this continuing series.

One of this website’s purposes is to provide information to help Texas inmates who are or have been incarcerated in a county or city jail in the state and their families. Insinuating that a person or institution has been involved in misdeeds is never intended.

–Guest Contributor