Suicide Risk Awareness
(503) 988-5295
National statistics show the risk of suicide is higher while incarcerated than it is in the general population. As a result, the Corrections Division must be diligent in maintaining proactive training, policies and procedures in an effort to minimize risk to the inmates who are in custody. Collaboration between corrections staff, community partners, and the public is essential to maintaining the safety and security of the inmate population in county facilities. The purpose of this page is to explain the measures the Corrections Division has taken to address suicide risk, and identify areas where friends and family might be able to provide support.
Providing training to staff members to recognize suicide risk factors, communicate with suicidal inmates, and manage inmates at risk is a necessary part of mitigating suicide risk in the custodial environment. Corrections deputies, sergeants and command staff are required to attend eight hours of initial training in suicide risk reduction, and an additional two hours of training each year. Training focuses on creating an awareness of the biological, psychological, and social factors common to inmates while they are in custody, and how these elements may create risk for suicide. A team of trainers consisting of corrections deputies and mental health professionals is responsible for creating, and teaching, curriculum that considers a multi-faceted approach to meeting the needs of inmates who are identified as being at risk including; mental health and suicide assessments, enhanced supervision, administration of medication, and managing inmates who are identified as being at risk.
The Multnomah County Health Department is responsible for providing the Corrections Division with mental health services. A team of mental health professionals consisting of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and mental health consultants works closely with medical and corrections staff to address the mental health needs of inmates in custody. In addition, the mental health team provides assistance in reintegrating inmates with mental illness into the community. Access to mental health services is provided on day shift seven days a week, and on evening shift Monday through Friday. During off hours, registered nurses are available to address emergency mental health issues in the jail.
Effective collaborative communication between corrections staff, mental health and medical providers, volunteers, and the public, is key to reducing suicide risk inside our facilities. As such, the Corrections Division has implemented a new computer program that allows all staff members to communicate in the same forum. Providing an avenue for public communication is also important in keeping inmates safe. To accomplish this, a new feature has been added to the inmate phone system that prompts a caller to report concerns about the safety of an inmate. In addition, the public may call (503) 988-5295 if they are concerned an inmate may be at risk of self-harm. Please click HERE and HERE to be directed to a list of risk factors common in inmate suicide.
The Corrections Division is committed to identifying and mitigation the risk of suicide within its facilities. Proper training, awareness of risk factors, enhanced supervision, and communication is at the heart of creating a safe jail experience for arrestees and inmates. Through proactively seeking viable solutions to reducing risk, the Corrections Division continues to work towards the Sheriff’s Office mission of maintaining a safe and livable community. |
