EFTA00056054¶
P5324.08 4/5/2007 Attachment B, Page 1¶
”SAMPLE”¶
SUICIDE PREVENTION INFORMATION SPECIAL HOUSING UNIT ADDENDUM TO POST ORDERS¶
BOP HIGH RISK GROUPS¶
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New Inmates - The first few hours and days after admission can be critical. Newly incarcerated inmates may experience feelings such as shame, guilt, fear, sadness, anger, agitation, depression, relationship problems, legal concerns, hopelessness, and helplessness, which can contribute to increased suicide risk.
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Protective Custody - Inmates who volunteer to enter protective custody are at high risk for suicide, especially during the first 72 hours in SHU. These inmates should be referred to psychology services immediately.
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Long-term Protective Custody Inmates - These inmates are particularly vulnerable to depression that can lead to a suicide attempt, and should be monitored closely while they are in SHU.
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Inmates Taking Medication for Mental Health Reasons - These inmates are vulnerable to developing suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide by overdosing on their medication. Inmates on medication should be monitored to make sure they are not hoarding medication. Any signs of distress, deterioration in hygiene, or sudden changes in behavior should be reported to psychology.
FACTORS THAT CAN INCREASE THE PROBABILITY THAT AN INMATE MAY BECOME SUICIDAL:¶
+ Mental Health Factors¶
History of mental illness¶
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Is the inmate depressed, actively psychotic?
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Has the inmate been compliant with psychotropic medication?
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Have there been changes in eating, sleeping, hygiene, weight, recreation, activity level?
Prior suicide attempt¶
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How lethal was the attempt?
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How many attempts have been made?
EFTA00056055¶
P5324.08 4/5/2007¶
Attachment B, Page 2¶
Inmate’s current mood, affect, and behavior¶
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Is the inmate emotionally upset, angry, easily agitated?
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Are the inmate’s thoughts clear and goal directed (v delusional or psychotic in nature)?
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Is the inmate depressed, has there been a recent l
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Has hopelessness persisted even after the depression has
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Has the inmate given away property, revised a will, requested a phone call to say his goodbyes?
+ Medical Condition(s)/Chronic Pain¶
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Does the inmate have a chronic life threatening medical illness?
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Has the inmate’s overall health diminished recently?
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Is the inmate experiencing pain or other negative symptoms?
+ Relationship Difficulties¶
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Has the inmate received a Dear John letter?
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Have communications and or visits decreased?
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Has there been a change in the relationship?
+ Situational Factors¶
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Legal issues - pending indictment; loss of appeal to reduce sentence.
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Difficulties with staff or other inmates.
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Difficulties.
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Gambling debts, drugs.
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Ending of a close relationship with another inmate.
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Possible victim of a sexual assault.
REPORTING AND DOCUMENTING INMATE BEHAVIOR¶
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Report Your Concerns - Any inmate behavior(s) that is questionable and may reflect a change in mental health status should be reported to the Shift Lieutenant immediately.
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During non-working hours - Inform the Shift Lieutenant of any questionable inmate behavior. He/she will determine if the on-call psychologist needs to be contacted.
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Segregation Log Book - Any changes in inmate behaviors should be noted in the log book. A detailed note regarding the observed behavior is advisable. Documenting in the log book serves two purposes. First, the entry serves as a means of communication for other staff members. Second, it provides an accurate account of activity during your shift. Documentation should be neat, legible, and professional.
EFTA00056056¶
P5324.08 4/5/2007¶
Attachment B, Page 3¶
RESPONDING TO A SUICIDE EMERGENCY¶
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A Segregation Officer observing an inmate in the act of committing suicide, causing other self-injurious behavior, or who appears to have committed suicide will call for back-up before entering the cell. The officer will notify the Control Center and the Lieutenant’s Office by radio of the situation and request immediate back-up. BACK-UP MUST BE PRESENT IN ORDER TO ENTER A CELL.
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The “cut-down” tool is located in the storage closet on a shadow board. It is the #1 officer’s responsibility to locate this item at the start of the shift. This tool is only authorized to be used in emergency situations. Miscellaneous use of this tool is not permitted and will result in dulling the blade of the tool.
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in the event an inmate commits suicide, the scene of the suicide will be treated in a manner consistent with the investigation of an inmate death. All measures necessary to preserve and document the evidence needed to support subsequent investigations will be maintained or otherwise adequately recorded.