In May 1999, the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide & Homicide by People with Mental Illness published its first major report. Entitled “Safer Services,” it presented findings from a 2-year sample of suicides & an 18-month sample of homicides occurring in England & Wales. This article presents the 31 recommendations for mental health services that were put forward as a result of this inquiry, & discusses how services might deal with the risk of suicide & homicide or serious violence. (15 refs)