National Standards of Jail Suicide Prevention

This article describes U.S. national standards of jail suicide prevention. Standards are needed to 1) promote humane conditions, 2) reduce liability, & 3) to increase efficiency & professionalism in the corrections field. The development of standards is reviewed from 1979-1989. The 11 elements of a facilities plan for suicide prevention are described (e.g. identification of an inmates potential suicide risk, staff training & communication between health care & correctioanl personnel. (CM)