Suicide Risk Management - Policy

Idaho
Department of
Correction

Policy
Title:
Suicide Risk Management

Page:
1 of 2
Control Number:
315
Version:
3.0
Adopted:
03-15-1985

Henry Atencio, director of the Idaho Department of Correction, approved this document
on 01/22/2017.
Open to the public: Yes

Revision History
Revision date 01/22/2017 version 3.0: Entire document was revised and reformatted.
BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE NUMBER
None
POLICY STATEMENT
It is the policy of the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) to develop and maintain a
method for the identification and care of potentially suicidal inmates. Although suicide
attempts cannot be eliminated, IDOC is responsible for maintaining the health of individual
inmates, and for ensuring that procedures are pursued to help preserve life. In managing
potentially suicidal inmates, a safe, humane, and healthful environment based on ethical,
moral, and legal considerations is a primary goal.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that IDOC establishes procedures to reduce the risk
of suicide among inmates under its jurisdiction.
SCOPE
This policy applies to inmates housed in IDOC facilities, staff members, contractors,
venders, and volunteers in correctional facilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The applicable division chiefs are responsible to oversee the implementation of this
department policy and the development and implementation of a standard operating
procedure (SOP) for suicide risk management. The suicide risk management SOP must
include the following:
• Screening procedures to identify suicide risk of incoming inmates
• Procedures for placing inmates who display potential signs of suicide under suicide
watch or close observation
• Methods for reporting to administrative staff when suicide risk management
interventions occur
Control Number:
315
Version:
3.0
Title:
Suicide Risk Management
Page Number:
2 of 2

• Procedures for releasing inmates from suicide watch or close observation back into
general housing
• Staff training related to suicide risk management and emergency response
• Methods of documenting suicide risk interventions with individual inmates when
placed under close observation or suicide watch
• Procedures for investigation in the event of an offender’s death to include notifying
law enforcement and coroner
• Procedures for critical incident debriefing for staff and inmates affected by a suicide
attempt
• Procedures for administrative review when a suicide occurs
REFERENCES
None
–End of Document–