Prison Suicide: Averting Tragedies at Angola

 

In the last episode of Louisiana Lockdown, the Angola staff faced tragedy -- suicide is one of harsh realities encountered at Angola.  Assistant Warden Cathy Fontenot talks about prison suicide.

Suicide is a form of escape in my opinion and we do all we can to prevent them.

Warden Cain has even implemented a program where the mental health staff train offenders with limited duty (they often can’t work in the fields) in the signs and symptoms of suicide. 

These offenders are assigned to be tier walkers and they talk to cellblock offenders in between the mandatory rounds that staff must make in areas where offenders are most prone to attempt to commit harm to themselves. 

Suicides are not common events at Angola as most offenders do find hope in the progress they make here. In recent years, we have had two suicides in 2011, none in 2010 and 2009, one in 2008 and one in 2007 and none in 2006.  

 

Tune in TONIGHT for an all-new episode of LOUISIANA LOCKDOWN, where Warden Burl Cain’s "Land of New Beginnings" offers inmates "eight seconds of freedom" in a unique Animal Correctional Program.
"Drug Bust" premieres at 10 PM ET/PT.

 

Comments

[Jim]

It is attempted often. The staff and officers in any prison are trained to watch for signs of suicide. This helps them to get help for inmates before they take action. When that doesn't work the frequent checks officers make on all areas where inmates may be often catches them in the act and they are able to be saved through prompt and well rehearsed actions.

[Mike]

I only wonder why it doesn't happen more often. When an individual is confined to a cell every day.. well quite frankly I could see them just getting tired of it.. and ending it.