In 2019, a stark reality within the walls of correctional facilities was brought to light by the Bureau of Justice Statistics: 340 individuals in state and federal prisons and 355 in local jails died by suicide. These numbers, while seemingly just statistics, represent a profound crisis within the justice system, highlighting significantly elevated suicide rates compared to those experienced outside of incarceration. This article delves into the concerning data, comparing suicide rates inside and outside prison, and shedding light on the factors contributing to this tragic phenomenon.
The data reveals that nearly a fifth (19%) of state and federal prisons and a tenth (9%) of local jails reported at least one suicide in 2019. Alarmingly, in larger facilities, the prevalence was even higher, with over half of the largest jails and 45% of larger prisons reporting suicides. When considering overall mortality within these institutions, suicide accounted for a staggering 30% of deaths in local jails and 8% in state and federal prisons during the same year. These figures immediately signal a disproportionate risk of suicide for individuals within the correctional system when implicitly compared to causes of death in the general population.
Looking at a broader timeline, the issue becomes even more pronounced. Over the two decades from 2000 to 2019, over 6,200 lives were lost to suicide in local jails alone. This represents a 13% increase in jail suicides over this period, underscoring a worsening trend. Those most vulnerable in jail settings were often male, non-Hispanic white, and facing charges for violent crimes. Self-strangulation was the most common method. A particularly concerning statistic is that over three-quarters of jail inmates who died by suicide were unconvicted and awaiting trial, highlighting the immense psychological pressure of pre-trial detention. Nearly half of these suicides occurred within the first week of incarceration, indicating an acute period of vulnerability upon entry into jail.
Data from 2000-2019 further reveals disparities in suicide rates across different demographics within jails. White inmates experienced the highest average suicide rate (86 per 100,000), followed by American Indian or Alaska Native individuals (57 per 100,000). Older inmates, those aged 55 or older, also faced a heightened risk, with the highest average suicide rate across all age groups (78 per 100,000). Between 2015 and 2019, a significant portion of jail suicides involved individuals held for assault (18%) and murder or manslaughter (almost 10%). The majority of these tragic events occurred within the inmate’s cell (73%), with a smaller percentage in segregation units (8%). A striking two-thirds of suicides happened within the first 30 days of incarceration, and almost half within the first week, emphasizing the critical initial period of custody.
State and federal prisons also present a grim picture. From 2001 to 2019, approximately 4,500 individuals died by suicide in these facilities, marking an 83% increase over this period. Similar to local jails, the demographics of those who died by suicide in prisons were predominantly male, non-Hispanic white, and incarcerated for violent crimes, with self-strangulation being the most frequent method. However, in state prisons between 2015 and 2019, a large proportion (29%) were serving sentences for murder or manslaughter. In federal prisons, those serving time for weapons and sex offenses each accounted for about 20% of suicides. Drug offenses were a factor in federal prison suicides more than three times as often as in state prisons.
Interestingly, suicide timing differs slightly between jails and prisons. While jail suicides are concentrated in the initial days of incarceration, prison suicides are more likely to occur later. In state prisons, 75% of suicides during 2015–19 happened after the first year of imprisonment. For federal prisons, this figure was slightly lower at 64%. The location of suicides also varies. While state prison suicides predominantly occur in cells or rooms (76%), a significant proportion of federal prison suicides (58%) take place in medical or urgent care centers outside the prison facility, suggesting potential issues with mental health care accessibility or effectiveness within federal institutions.
Racial disparities in suicide rates persist in prisons as well. During 2015–19, white state prisoners had the highest suicide rate (41 per 100,000), followed by Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Other Pacific Islander individuals (36 per 100,000). American Indian or Alaska Native individuals had the highest rate in federal prisons (77 per 100,000). These rates are notably higher than those observed among Black and Hispanic inmates in both state and federal systems, and drastically higher than suicide rates in the general population, further emphasizing the unique vulnerabilities within these systems.
In conclusion, the data unequivocally demonstrates that suicide rates within prisons and jails are alarmingly high when compared to the general population. Factors such as the stress of incarceration, pre-trial detention, mental health vulnerabilities, and potentially inadequate support systems within correctional facilities contribute to this crisis. The disproportionate impact on certain demographic groups and the timing of suicides highlight critical areas for intervention and reform. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach focusing on improved mental health screening and treatment, reducing isolation, and creating a more supportive and humane environment within correctional settings to safeguard the lives of incarcerated individuals.
