Rick Dillon Criswell had been incarcerated at Hale County Jail in Plainview, Texas, since April 10, 2021, when he committed suicide on June 22, 2021. The 25-year-old was in a single medical cell and died as a result of hanging himself.

The following are recommended cost-saving measures to help prevent custodial suicides.

Avoid Single Cells

Inmates are far less likely to make a suicide attempt when another person is present. County jails seeking solutions for suicide prevention that don’t add pressure to the budget can take advantage of this recommendation. Simply house suicidal inmates with other inmates who are nonviolent.

Position High-Risk Inmates in High-Traffic Areas

Booking areas in jails are high-traffic areas, making that part of jail facilities ideal for the placement of suicidal inmates. A larger number of staff members and many more eyes will be on at-risk inmates if their cells are in busy areas.

When you couple this recommendation with a heightened awareness of which inmates are particularly at risk for a suicide attempt, deaths can be prevented. For instance, studies show that 24% of jail suicides happen within the first 24 hours of intake. In addition, days 2 through day 14 are times when 27% of jail suicides occur. Place new inmates in high traffic areas, at least initially.

Learn more in Part 1 and this ongoing series.

It is not intended on this website to assert wrongdoing on the part of any individual or institution. Posts are added with the intent of assisting Texas inmates now or previously housed in a county jail.

–Guest Contributor