This article is a summarized report of a study of the deaths that occurred in North Carolina jails & prisons between 1972-76. One-third, or 70 deaths, were due to suicide. 54 of the 70 victims were white males, & half of all suicides occurred in the first 12 hours of incarceration. A full 85% of victims were intoxicated at the time of death, & the majority had been booked on alcohol charges. Proposals for decreasing deaths are presented. (VM)