In a sample of 100 jail detainees, the effectiveness of two specialized screens (the Referral Decision Scale & the Mental Disability/Suicide Intake Screen) & one general screen (Personality Assessment Screener) was evaluated. For suicide ideation the Mental Disability/Suicide Intake Screeen composite score evidenced promise (sensitivity = 1.00; specificity = 0.71). In ruling out major depression, The Personality Assessment Screener Negative Affect subscale was useful for the inmate participants. (40 refs.)