Suicide in Scottish Prisons, 1976-93

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Abstract
The demographic, logistical and psychiatric characteristics of 83 suicides in Scottish custodial establishments between 1976 and 1993 were described. Over much of this period the suicide rate in Scottish prisons showed an increase disproportionate to the rise in the overall prison population. Compared with the general prison population, the mean age of the suicides in the sample was higher. Remand prisoners were over-represented in the suicide group when compared with the general prison population on the basis of average daily population figures but not when comparisons were made using annual receptions. Prisoners serving sentences of over 18 months, particularly life, were over-represented, as were prisoners charged with or convicted of violent or sexual crimes. Most fatal acts occurred between lock-up and reveille with hanging being by far the most common method of suicide. Extensive evidence of previous self-injury and psychiatric morbidity was found in the suicide sample. The majority of deaths occurred less than 3 months from incarceration with a smaller number occurring less than 24 hours after reception into prison. of the latter group, the majority had an established past history or diagnosis of alcohol and/or drug abuse.

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