Prisoner Suicide Prevention Program

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Part 1

How prevalent is the incidence of prisoner suicide? Explain in detail.

Suicide in prison is not a highly likely incident and does not occur with high rates of prevalence. Nevertheless, it is the leading cause of "preventable" deaths by inmates and thus a significant issue. The prevalence of suicide is higher for inmates incarcerated for violent offenses as their rates are much higher than average inmates or non-violent offenders. As a result of this, those prisons with higher populations of violent offenders experience higher rates of suicide by prisoners. These rates fluctuate and vary across states because of different state protocols that are in place regarding the prevention of suicide (Tripodi & Bender, 2007).

What factors seem to contribute the most to prisoner suicide? Explain in detail, and use scholarly and academic resources to fully support your arguments.

Many factors contribute to prisoner suicide beginning with the realization of the situation once inmates are remanded into custody to serve their sentence, including pre-existing mental health variables such as psychiatric problems, and the general on-going stressors of prison life. In addition, inmates with prior histories of suicide attempts or self-harming behaviour could possibly have these conditions exacerbated once incarcerated. The most prevalent factor that seems to contribute is a previous history of violence (Tripodi & Bender, 2007).

What are the characteristics and histories of victims of prisoner suicide? Explain.

Main characteristics of inmates susceptible for prison suicide include a history of mental illness, a history of violence, a previous history of self-harm, and those who are newly incarcerated inmates. These inmates are particularly at risk in the initial 24 hours under custody. Inmates who are denied bail and face indefinite detention also have higher characteristics for developing suicidal tendencies. Those inmates who have recently experienced new legal problems or inmate-related conflicts also have higher susceptibility for prison suicide and inmates serving longer sentences than the average or most other inmates are at higher risks for inmate suicide (Tripodi & Bender, 2007).

Where and under what circumstances is prisoner suicide likely to occur? Be detailed in your response, and provide examples to support your arguments.

Suicides are more likely to occur when an inmate, who is a newly sentenced or incarcerated offender, first arrives in a correctional facility. Inmates with mental illness are more probable to attempt a ...