Examining Suicide in U.S. Jails: Risk Factors, Spatial Disparities, and Policy Implications

• In Event: PWG - Violence, self-harm, and safety in prison settings

Abstract

Suicide remains the leading cause of death in U.S. correctional facilities, underscoring the urgent need to examine the factors contributing to elevated suicide risks. This study analyzes fatalities in U.S. jails from 2011 to 2019, investigating suicide risk through a multi-level framework encompassing macro-level, meso-level, and micro-level factors. Regression analyses confirm that at the micro-level, individuals who are young, White, male, unconvicted, or serving a short jail stay face a higher likelihood of suicide. Additionally, findings indicate that rural isolation is a significant predictor of increased suicide rates. The study discusses the implications of these findings for correctional policy and practice, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and future research to address suicide risks within jail settings.

Authors

• Mijin Kim, Illinois State University

• Victor St. John, The Ohio State University

• Jason Szkola, Rowan University