Suicide in prisons

Abstract

Suicide in prisons has been the subject of much research effort (Topp, 1979; Dooley, 1990; Liebling, 1991; Bogue & Power, 1995; Towl & Crighton, 1998; Snow, 2002). For a pithy critique of UK research and practice see Crighton (2000) and Crighton (2003) respectively. Some of the research has clearly had a direct influence upon policy and practice in suicide prevention. However, despite this, the overall trend of rates of suicide in prisons is upwards.The comparatively high rate of suicide among prisoners and indeed offenders more generally may call into question the very humanity of our criminal justice structures and processes. The nature of imprisonment involves state containment; this carries with it a heavy weight of responsibility and accountability for the well‐being of the prisoner, a responsibility that may be amplified in the case of specific groups of prisoners, such as juveniles or young offenders.This paper reflects on research and practice in what is known about suicide in prisons. The language of suicide is also touched on, because of its relevance in working with the suicidal. Following on from this, the potential role of applied psychologists in preventing suicide will be outlined.

Citation

Towl, G. (2003), "Suicide in prisons", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 28-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636646200300018