Suicide Rates In Prisons

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According to Bartol and Bartol (2012) forensic psychologist possesses many within prisons. The goal of the psychologist is to assist with rehabilitating inmates for their criminal charges such as treatment for sex offender, substance abuse, as well as crisis intervention. World Health Organization (2007) stated that suicide is the second leading cause of the death in prisons. They discovered that pretrial detainees attempted suicide 7.5 times, as well as those with general population is six times that rate. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how one should evaluate inmates for suicide risk, as well as a comparison for those how are not incarcerated. Additionally, this paper will discuss areas where correctional officers can assist …show more content…
Many individuals stay for 24 hour observation; however, many psychiatrists refer patient to a psychiatric hospital due to the severity of their evaluations (Desiree Hazzard MSW, personal communication, February 4, 2016). On the other hand, inmates’ who are placed on suicide watch are relocated to an observation cell. While in the cell the inmates wears only their under garments, as well as anything they can use to take their life are removed. They are to remain on which until the psychiatrist have given them a medical clearance to return back to population (Angel Riddick, personal communication, February 4, 2016). Additionally, Officer Riddick mentions all correctional officers assigned to tiers conduct rounds every 45 minutes. When making their rounds correctional officer checks for safety, as well as changes in the behaviors of inmates, as well as making sure the information is properly documented. To aide with preventing suicide inmates, psychologist should conduct assessments on inmates as soon as they arrive to the correctional facility. Many inmates have increased hopelessness due to familiar to adapt to their surroundings. Other areas to assess for suicidal ideations prior to court proceeding, as well as afterwards, death of love one, divorces proceedings, sexual assaults – all of these life changing event can produce emotions

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