This article reports on comparative suicide rates for different confinement institutions in Massachusetts & discusses the significance of findings for debates about ‘importation’ vs ‘deprivation’ explanations of custodial suicide. Study results show few suicides in 3 populations (Addiction Center (1886-1990), Defective Delinquent Department (1922-71) & Treatment Center for Sexually Dangerous Persons) but considerabley higher rates in the State Hospital. Conclusion: who gets confined does matter.