Question 1

Studies suggest that approximately _______ percent of jail custodial deaths are suicides.

Accepted Answer

Several studies have estimated that about 30% of jail custodial deaths are suicides. However, this percentage may vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a prisoner suicide awareness factor?

Accepted Answer

The other options listed are all factors that increase a prisoner's risk for suicide. However, the severity of the crime the prisoner is charged with does not directly correlate with suicide risk.

Question 3

A common defense raised by officers in a custodial suicide claim is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The most common defense raised by officers in a custodial suicide claim is qualified immunity, which shields government officials (including police officers) from being held personally liable for actions taken while performing their official duties, as long as those actions do not violate clearly established constitutional or statutory rights.

Question 4

Lawsuits filed over custodial suicides include which of the following elements?

Accepted Answer

All of the listed elements are typically included in lawsuits filed over custodial suicides. The failure to protect and monitor the prisoner is typically related to the proper implementation of suicide prevention protocols and procedures. The failure to provide medical and mental health services is related to ensuring that the prisoner receives appropriate care for any mental health issues that may contribute to suicidal behavior. The failure to admit and properly classify the prisoner can contribute to an increased risk of suicide if the individual is placed in an inappropriate housing unit or does not receive the appropriate level of supervision or care.

Question 5

Studies suggest that since 1980 the petitioner has the greatest likelihood of success when the case involves a suicide committed by a prisoner held in which of the following types of facility?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Studies suggest that since 1980 the petitioner...

Question 6

Section 1983 lawsuits filed over custodial suicides are more likely to be filed against officials if the prisoner was housed in which of the following types of facilities?

Accepted Answer

Custodial suicides are more likely to occur in jails than in other types of facilities, such as lockups, prisons, or halfway houses. Therefore, lawsuits filed over such suicides are also more likely to be filed against officials if the prisoner was housed in a jail.

Question 7

A reasonable justification for removing a prisoner from "suicide watch" may be which of the following:

Accepted Answer

The recommendation of a counselor who has reviewed the prisoner's file and interviewed the prisoner would provide a professional evaluation of the prisoner's mental state and level of risk for suicide, making it a reasonable justification for removing them from suicide watch. The statement of the prisoner that they are not suicidal may not be enough to fully assess their risk, and the history of the facility with regard to custodial suicides may be a factor that increases rather than decreases the need for vigilance.

Question 8

A claim of failure to train in a custodial suicide case will often include which of the following allegations?

Accepted Answer

A claim of failure to train in a custodial suicide case can include all of the aforementioned allegations, as they relate to different aspects of training that may be necessary to prevent custodial suicides. Officers may need to be trained in recognition of suicide indicators and suicide monitoring procedures, as well as in how to access medical and mental health care and resuscitation procedures, in order to fulfill their duty to protect the safety and well-being of detainees in their custody.

Question 9

What best describes the use of a suicide risk profile by correctional facilities and officers?

Accepted Answer

Suicide risk profiles are useful in training correctional officers to recognize signs of suicidal ideation and take appropriate action to prevent harm. While these profiles can be helpful in identifying at-risk prisoners, they are not always reliable and should not be solely relied upon for suicide prevention. The use of a suicide risk profile does not provide legal protection through qualified immunity.

Question 10

Deliberate indifference includes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Deliberate indifference is a higher standard of culpability than ordinary negligence and requires more than just an ordinary lack of due care. It involves a state of mind that is more blameworthy than negligence, and can be proven with less than acts or omissions with knowledge that harm will result. Therefore, all of the above options are correct.

Question 11

The most prevalent cause of death in state prisons is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, illness is the most prevalent cause of death in state prisons, accounting for 87% of all deaths between 2001 and 2014. Homicides, accidents, and suicides make up the remaining 13%.

Question 12

The case of Farmer v. Brennan (1994) expanded protections for officers who are sued for a custodial suicide by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

In Farmer v. Brennan (1994), the Supreme Court ruled that officers can be held liable under the Eighth Amendment for the suicide of a prisoner only if they were deliberately indifferent to the prisoner's serious medical needs. The Court held that deliberate indifference requires a showing that the officer was aware of facts from which an inference could be drawn that there was a serious risk of harm to the prisoner, and the officer actually drew that inference. Thus, answer B is the correct choice. A is incorrect because even if a specific officer was not assigned to monitor the prisoner, they could still be held liable if they were aware of the risk of harm and did nothing. Answer C is incorrect because negligence is not enough to impose liability under the Eighth Amendment – deliberate indifference is required. Finally, answer D is incorrect because answer B is the correct choice.

Question 13

A study by Noonan et al. (2015) reported which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The study by Noonan et al. (2015) reported that causes of death in prisons and jails included higher percentages of suicides in jails. The study did not mention higher percentages of homicides or illness in either prisons or jails. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Question 14

Plaintiffs in custodial death cases will include which of the following in their complaint?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Plaintiffs in custodial death cases will include...

Question 15

A definitive profile of potential custodial suicide that is accepted by researchers does not exist.

Accepted Answer

There is no one definitive profile for potential custodial suicide that is accepted by researchers. Risk factors and warning signs may vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and situations.

Question 16

The risk of suicide by a person confined in a jail or detention center is approximately equal to the risk of suicide by a person confined in a state prison.

Accepted Answer

The risk of suicide is generally higher in jails and detention centers compared to state prisons, largely because the initial period of custody is often the most psychologically stressful time for detainees.

Question 17

The serious and critical nature of custodial suicides produces a greater likelihood of success for plaintiffs in these cases.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The serious and critical nature of custodial...

Question 18

Prisoners do not attempt suicide at rates that are higher than that of free persons in society.

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that prisoners are at a higher risk for attempting suicide than free persons in society. Studies have found that the suicide rate in prisons can be up to 10 times higher than that of the general population.

Quiz 14: Liability and Suicides in Detention