Suicide Prevention

The analysis also found inmate killings continued at high rates, with 30 homicides in 2022, the same number as in each of the previous two years

A deputy and two officers were killed and several others wounded in the deadliest single day for law enforcement in the state since 1923

A Luzerne County Correctional Facility lieutenant says COs need more training on how to recognize inmates at risk

During rounds of housing cells, deputies cut free an inmate with a sheet tied around his neck and the cell bars

A state investigation found that jailers failed to check on Dean Stewart, 50, three times in the 24 hours leading up to his death

Since Jan. 1, nine inmates have died by suicide, with suspected staff shortages largely to blame

Witnessing death, suicide or suicide attempts also stresses the jail's population of COs – a group already dealing with severe understaffing

Soft cells and suicide smocks and medical monitoring cannot substitute for a caring, observant correctional officer

“Suicides are preventable. There should be zero, that should be the goal," said the investigation's author

Emotional trauma can catch up to correctional officers, which can lead to problems at home and other self-destructive behaviors

New floor-to-ceiling bars will be added around the level that houses inmates on suicide watch