Inmate Suicide and Time Spent in Special Disciplinary Housing in New York State Prison

This study examined the number of days that prisoners spent in a special disciplinary housing unit in New York State prison before dying by suicide. Suicides occurring between 1993-2003 were reviewed. A total on 32 suicides occurred in one-person special housing cells during the 11-year period. Inmates spent a median of 63 days in a special disciplinary housing cell before dying by suicide. The aggregate median sentence these inmates were serving in special housing at the time of suicide was 298.5 days. Because most suicides in a special housing unit occurred within 8 weeks of placement, at a minimumn, enhanced observation is warranted during this period. (15 refs.)