Battling the Silent Crisis: Suicide in Prisons - Strategies for Intervention in Baden-Württemberg's Correctional Facilities
Prison Suicide Prevention Measures: An Inside Look at Correctional Institutions' Strategies - Prison predicament: Strategies prisons can employ to address self-harm incidents
In the complex world of correctional facilities, inmates face numerous challenges adjusting to their circumstances, often struggling without familial and social support. Factors like fear of violence, loss of control, harsh prison conditions, and the stigma of their actions can push individuals to the edge of emotional resilience.
According to the Federal Working Group on Suicide Prevention (BAG), between 2000 and 2023, a total of 1,794 inmates in German prisons ended their lives - 1,736 men and 58 women. These statistics are derived from a nationwide survey on suicides in custody. Annually, this amounts to approximately 72 people. Let's delve into the numbers in Baden-Württemberg.
How many suicides occur in prisons here?
In the last decade, 89 inmates in Baden-Württemberg took their own lives, all men between 17 and 79 years of age as per the Ministry of Justice. The predominant methods were strangulation using belts, bedding, or cords. High numbers were reported in 2016, 2021, and 2022 with 12 each, while the fewest suicides - five each - were recorded in 2018 and 2020.
Which inmates are at greater risk of suicide?
Research suggests that various groups are more prone to suicidal behavior: new detainees and inmates, young and elderly prisoners, those in solitary confinement, inmates convicted of sexual or violent offenses, inmates with mental illnesses, inmates with substance abuse issues, inmates with a history of suicide attempts, and inmates serving lengthy sentences.
When is the risk of suicide at its peak?
Detention can bring much upheaval and uncertainty, making this phase particularly stressful for inmates. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice points out, “The suicide risk is noticeably higher during detention compared to a regular prison sentence.” The Federal Working Group on Suicide Prevention indicates that detainees who took their lives were often 40 years or older. Most incidents occurred within three days of detention, with many being detained due to suspicion of manslaughter or sexual offenses.
Finally, emotional exhaustion, often referred to as burnout, may be observed in many inmates after around 60 days of imprisonment. Most suicides occur during the night in solitary confinement.
How are new inmates evaluated for risk?
To accurately identify potential suicide risks, a statewide criminology-accompanied screening procedure was introduced at the end of 2022. In the intake areas, potentially at-risk inmates should be detected as early as possible during the intake process. This involves using a questionnaire.
The Federal Working Group explains, "Screening is conducted immediately upon a prisoner's arrival as part of an initial conversation. Given the high suicide risk during the earliest stages of incarceration, any delay should be avoided. The prisoner must be treated with consideration. Judgments, instructions, or accusations are not appropriate. The aim is to facilitate communication with the prisoner and take appropriate measures; for this, they are asked about their well-being."
In addition to verbal cues, non-verbal such as facial expressions and gestures are also vital. “Inquiries are made about hints of suicidal thoughts, feelings of helplessness, and lack of perspective. This questionnaire does not replace sensitive and attentive handling of prisoners beyond the initial contact,” the working group emphasizes.
What role does prison staff play?
For early identification of risk factors, training sessions for staff are also provided. Staff training in Baden-Württemberg’s prison system, for instance, places a considerable focus on crisis and suicide topics.
According to the Federal Working Group, prison officers have a duty of care and a duty to protect the prisoners entrusted to them. They should actively prevent suicides. Conversely, if they do not take action to prevent a suicide despite knowing about a prisoner’s suicidal intentions, they may face criminal charges.
What happens when a suicide risk is identified?
In some prisons, at-risk prisoners are housed in cells monitored by cameras if communal accommodation is not feasible due to security or other reasons. After a risk assessment, a prisoner can be housed in a communal cell with or without the constant presence of a fellow prisoner for protection.
In some prisons, communal housing of prisoners is used as a deterrent against suicidal tendencies. Care is taken to ensure that the selection of fellow inmates is suitable.
How often do suicide attempts occur?
The prisons in Baden-Württemberg record every suicide attempt and every death as reported by a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice. All actions based on serious suicidal intent must be reported. "Between 2014 and 2024, a total of 332 suicide attempts were reported. The highest number in this period was recorded in 2017 with 43 suicide attempts, and the lowest in 2020 with 17 suicide attempts," says the spokesperson.
In addition to mental illnesses and substance abuse, what plays a role?
Prisoners often experience mental health issues or substance dependencies at a higher frequency compared to the general population. This is considered a risk factor for suicidal behavior. Thus, close medical and psychiatric-psychological care for prisoners is a fundamental aspect of suicide prevention.
To provide a sense of companionship and support, a vulnerable prisoner can be paired with an experienced prisoner in communal accommodation. This individual volunteers, is trained, and accompanies them during activities. An example of this program, known as the Listener Project, is implemented at the Schwäbisch Hall Prison. At Bruchsal Prison, this program is called "Prisoners for Prisoners."
What's special about the new prison in Rottweil?
With the new construction, it's possible to integrate concepts for architectural or psychosocial suicide prevention already in the planning and construction phase for the institution. "The suicide prevention concept for the new prison includes two suicide prevention rooms and two double cells as so-called 'Listener' cells, as well as five more double cells as so-called 'Tandem' cells," says the spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice.
In the Listener accommodation, new arrivals in Rottweil are housed in double cells with prisoners who possess high social competence. They undergo training to handle crisis situations and provide supportive assistance to fellow inmates. These rooms also have board games, tobacco, and coffee.
Tandem cells are especially suitable for investigative custody or the early days of imprisonment. These are double cells featuring a unique color scheme and special equipment. The idea is for newly incarcerated individuals to share a cell with another particularly socially competent prisoner. As in other institutions, Rottweil also plans for a particularly secure cell as part of suicide prevention, as well as camera-monitored cells.
What are the expectations from suicide prevention rooms?
Suicide prevention rooms serve as supportive elements for treating at-risk prisoners, states the Ministry of Justice. The purpose is to create a welcoming atmosphere for treatment through spatial design and to leverage the impact of the environment on the mental state.
"These rooms should also provide the opportunity for necessary controls by staff with minimal effort - for example, through proximity to the duty room." In suicide prevention rooms, for instance, there would be no hooks, bars, or similar fixtures. "The positively designed rooms should also facilitate anxiety-free expression of suicidal states."
In an effort to reduce the number of suicides in prisons, vocational training programs could be implemented as a strategic approach to mental-health support. These programs can provide inmates with a sense of purpose, skills, and opportunities for personal growth, potentially alleviating feelings of hopelessness and depression.
Integrating science and health-and-wellness initiatives into these vocational training programs could further enhance their effectiveness. For instance, incorporating courses on stress management, mindfulness, and improving mental health could equip inmates with valuable coping mechanisms. Additionally, introducing physical exercise and nutrition education could contribute to overall health improvements, thereby promoting a more holistic approach to mental well-being.
