ABSTRACT
Since the 1980s, suicide prevention in correctional facilities has come to increasing prominence because correctional settings (police lockups, jails, and prisons) are incarcerating significantly higher numbers of high-risk populations (e.g., people with serious mental illness), and courts and oversight agencies are demonstrating a willingness to hold institutions liable for the failure to prevent suicide. Mental health and correctional facilities are taking important actions to address this concern. Yet, despite the progress much still remains to be accomplished. As we look forward to further program development and training initiatives, we should understand more clearly the dimensions of the issue and the options and limitations. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the problem of suicide in lockups, jails, and prisons, and to highlight crucial issues to be addressed as we move forward in our deliberations and plans.
