This study addresses the problem of jail suicide & the current utilization of profiles as screening devices, by studying inmate characteristics in relation to county jail suicides in a Mid-western state from 1980 through mid-1980s. The concepts behind current profile application are refuted in favour of specific factors that distinguish inmates who committed suicide from inmates in the general population. The need for local assessments & more stringent methods of screening tool development are emphasized, & implications for jail administration, policies, & future research are discussed. (20 refs)