Self Inflicted Deaths in Segregation Units

In the period 2001 - 2006 inclusive, there were a total of 59 self-inflicted deaths initiated in segregation settings* (of which 10 died in outside hospitals). This accounts for 12% of self inflicted deaths within prison. Of the 59 deaths a total of 32% were on an open ACCT/F2052SH. Prisoners undergoing clinical management of substance misuse are particularly vulnerable to suicide and self-harm early on in custody (particularly women prisoners). Therefore, cellular confinement or a similar award which would result in reduced time out of cell should be avoided during the first month of sentence, but principally during the first week. As with prisoners on an ACCT plan, exceptional cases are unavoidable and in such circumstances must be carefully managed supported by a very detailed management plan. The following extracts are taken from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman report on themes into deaths in segregation units. “Those prisoners who are the most ‘difficult’ are often the most vulnerable and it is acknowledged that very damaged people can also be very damaging to others. Staff are undoubtedly faced with difficult decisions as to where to hold some prisoners and frequently care for prisoners in segregation units when all other options have been exhausted. However, there have been cases where prisoners have been held in segregation units and the justifications for doing so have not been convincing. There have been cases where alternative options to segregation have not been adequately explored”. “Giving vulnerable prisoners something to occupy their time is likely to be a crucial part of safeguarding the welfare of those in segregation” * Includes those segregated on normal location not just segregation units