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North Carolina
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

James B. Hunt Jr., Governor           Theodis Beck, Secretary


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2000
Contact:  Tracy Little
              Director of Public Information
              (919) 716-3700

Central Prison Management Responds to Recent Suicides

Review with correctional staff potential inmate behavior that may require additional attention by mental health staff.

Correctional officers receive training during their 160-hour basic training curriculum about signs of suicide risk. In addition, correctional staff interacts with mental health staff on a daily basis concerning inmate behavior. Over the next several days mental health staff will be available at shift lineups to respond to questions from correctional staff and to reinforce what inmate behaviors and characteristics may signal the need for possible intervention by mental health staff.

Reassess and enhance protocol to identify at-risk offenders who may need additional treatment.

Central Prison has begun a review of all offenders admitted to the facility in the last three months who have a profile that indicates they may need additional treatment. Mental health staff will work with correctional staff to assess the status of those offenders and determine if any changes in their treatment or housing are needed.

Review policy and procedures to determine whether there are any changes that can be made to improve the operational effectiveness of Central Prison.


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