Dealing with Despair Behind Bars: A Deep Dive into Prison Suicide Prevention
Prison Suicide Prevention Measures: Insight into Correctional Facility Strategies - Prison Suicide Prevention Strategies: Essential Measures to Implement in Correctional Facilities
In the rigid, oppressive world of prisons, inmates are confronted with the sudden loss of personal liberties, which can be overwhelming, especially without adequate external support. constantly facing threats of physical and sexual violence, loss of control, harsh living conditions, and shame stemming from their actions can lead to emotional breakdown.
According to the Federal Working Group on Suicide Prevention (BAG), a total of 1,794 inmates in German prisons took their lives between 2000 and 2023, with 1,736 men and 58 women. One part of Germany, Baden-Württemberg tells a grim story of its own.
Prison suicides in Baden-Württemberg
Over the past decade, Baden-Württemberg has seen 89 inmate suicides. All were adult males aged between 17 and 79. The majority of these tragic deaths occurred via strangulation, using belts, bedding, or cords. The years 2016, 2021, and 2022 recorded 12 suicides each, while the fewest suicides were reported in 2018 and 2020, with only five reported deaths.
Research reveals certain groups more susceptible to suicide:
- Inmates beginning their sentence
- Young and elderly inmates
- Inmates in solitary confinement
- Inmates convicted of sexual or violent offenses
- Inmates with mental illnesses
- Inmates with substance abuse issues
- Inmates with a history of suicide attempts
- Inmates sentenced to long prison terms
Suicide risk phases
Imprisonment is rife with uncertainty and upheaval, making this stage particularly stressful for inmates. According to the Ministry of Justice, detainees are at an even greater risk of suicide compared to sentenced prisoners. Most detainee suicides occur within three days of detention, usually on charges related to manslaughter or sexual offenses. Many inmates experience emotional exhaustion, much like burnout, after about 60 days in prison. Most suicides take place during solitary confinement at night.
Suicide risk assessment for new inmates
Recognizing potential risks early on is crucial in mitigating the risk of suicide. Statewide, a criminologically accompanied screening procedure was introduced in 2022 to identify at-risk inmates during the intake phase. Inmates are screened using a questionnaire, and immediate action is taken to address any concerns revealed during this process. Prison staff also have training programs to recognize and respond to suicide risks.
Role of prison staff in preventing suicides
Prison staff have a duty to protect the inmates entrusted to them and actively prevent suicides. Conversely, failing to intervene in a known suicidal situation may lead to legal consequences for the staff. In some cases, prisons deploy surveillance cameras in cells to monitor suicidal prisoners.
What happens when a suicide risk is identified?
Communal accommodations are often used in prison settings as a means to counteract suicide tendencies, with care taken to select suitable inmates as roommates. Some prisons position guards in communal areas or assign a fellow inmate to protect the at-risk prisoner.
Frequency of suicide attempts
Prisons in Baden-Württemberg document every attempted suicide and every death. Between 2014 and 2024, a total of 332 suicide attempts were reported. The highest number, 43 attempts, occurred in 2017, while the lowest, 17 attempts, happened in 2020.
Role of mental illness and substance abuse
Compared to the general population, prisoners often suffer from psychiatric illnesses or substance abuse issues, which further increases the risk of suicidal behavior. Providing mental health services is a vital aspect of suicide prevention for prisoners.
Inmate-led prevention
Vulnerable inmates may be paired with veteran inmates in communal living situations. These dedicated inmates are selected with their consent, trained, and supervised during their activities. The aim is to create a supportive and accepting environment where prisoners can open up to each other and receive help. Some prisons employ specific programs, like the Listener Project or "Prisoners for Prisoners," to facilitate such connections.
New facilities and architectural suicide prevention
When building new prisons, integrating architectural or psychosocial suicide prevention measures during the planning and construction phase is possible. For instance, in the new Rottweil prison, there are two suicide prevention rooms, two double "Listener cells," and five more double "Tandem cells." In these spaces, newly incarcerated individuals share cells with socially competent inmates. The Listener accommodation provides board games, tobacco, and coffee. Tandem cells are suitable for investigative custody or early stages of imprisonment. They feature a unique color scheme and specific equipment to facilitate support for new prisoners.
Expected outcomes from suicide prevention rooms
Suicide prevention rooms provide a positive environment for supporting at-risk prisoners, hence facilitating effective treatment. These rooms are designed to minimize stress and anxiety, making it easier for inmates to express their inner fears. These spaces often come with necessary monitoring features to allow staff to intervene when necessary.
In light of the ongoing challenge of prison suicide prevention, it's crucial to address not only the physical environment but also the psychological and social aspects of incarceration. Thus, the implementation of community policies and mental-health support programs, such as vocational training for self-improvement and health-and-wellness initiatives, could potentially contribute to mitigating emotional distress among inmates.
With the rise of science and innovation, specially designed prisons could integrate architectural suicide prevention measures, like providing suicide prevention rooms and Listener accommodations, to offer a supportive environment for at-risk inmates. Moreover, the use of these spaces in conjunction with vocational training programs may foster a sense of purpose and community, further reducing the risk of suicide and promoting overall well-being among inmates.
