A Review of State and Federal Department of Corrections Suicide Prevention Policies

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Suicide is a perpetual health and security concern in state and federal corrections facilities.
All state departments of corrections contain suicide policies, as does the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The content of these policies varies a great deal. The current study is an analysis of the state and federal department of corrections suicide prevention policies. The researchers set up a coding scheme, reviewed the policies, and collected data on their requirements for training, assessment and management, and responding to a suicide attempt. Additional variables considered were whether the departments require their facilities to be accredited and whether the policies allow for the use of inmate companions as a supplement to staff supervision for suicidal inmates.

Authors

• Scott Klenk, Stockton University

• Christine Tartaro, Stockton University