Editor’s note: This series of articles is intended to be used as quick topic discussions at the beginning of any meeting. They are meant to create discussion among your teams and to get your officers thinking on their feet about training topics, in order to encourage learning and training.
Factors you should question, observe, or look for in suicidal inmates:
CHARGES which alert to suicidal behaviors in the target group:
- Crimes against family (Assault/Battery)
- Crimes against children (child pornography)
- Murder/ Rape/ Aggravated Robbery
WHITE male 22-35: general target group for likely suicidal behaviors
MENTAL HEALTH CARE: the target group includes those currently being treated or having previous treatment. Prior suicide by close family members.
Do not discount statements such as: “This is my worst day ever” or “I am going to kill myself.”
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OR DE-TOXING FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE: This target group may include some with very minor offenses, or
A USUALLY STABLE INMATE EXHIBITS SUDDEN, ABERRANT BEHAVOR: Upcoming major court dates may be a trigger in this target group.
Just because a person hits on one or two of these factors does not mean they are thrown in a smock and isolated, because this will generally make it harder on the individual.
When these factors come up, we pay closer attention and ask more questions about how they are doing in order to correctly assess their mental situation.
