Suicides in Prison

The suicide rate for prisoners is often four times that of the general population. While previous studies have tended to rely on official statistics and prison records, "Suicides in Prison" draws directly on the experiences of both prisoners and staff. The interviews conducted by Alison Liebling help elucidate the circumstances which lead to suicide and attempted suicide. She provides further evidence to support the growing notion that suicide is not an exclusively psychiatric problem, but one in which a person's social support and coping mechanisms plays a crucial role. "Suicides in Prison" shows how serious difficulties in the management of prisoners at risk of suicide may be exacerbated by problems of communication between departments, and that prison officers may lack the necessary training to play a major role in suicide prevention. Furthermore, Liebling insists that if staff perceptions and attitudes are not addressed, any attempt to improve procedures may well by ineffective. "Suicides in Prison" is of interest to probation officers, social workers and prison wardens, as well as those studying penology courses. It traces the recent history of the problem, providing the first major theoretical discussion of the nature and causes of suicide in prison.

Introduction PART ONE: 1. Suicides in prison: Rates and Explanations 2. The prisoner suicide profile 3. Young prisoner suicides and suicide attempts 4. A change of direction PART TWO: 5. Investigating suicides in prison 6. Understanding young prisoner suicides and suicide attempts: in their own words 7. In different words: The gender factor 8. Managing to prevent suicide: Staff attitudes and perspectives 9. Understanding suicides in prison: Vulnerable prisoners in high risk situations