The authors’ goals were to describe the characteristics of inmate suicide in the New York City Department of Correction between 1980-88. 48 suicides were identified during this period. 42% of suicides occurred within the first 30 days of incarceration, & 50% occurred within 3 days of a court appearance. More than 90% of the suicides were by hanging. 91% of the suicides took place in cells in which the inmate was alone, & 52% of the inmates who committed suicide had a major psychiatric diagnosis.