Suicide In Federal Prisons: DOJ Announces Dozens of Proposed Reforms To Curb Epidemic

The Justice Department has announced over 50 new actions to reduce the risk of suicide among adults in federal custody, based on recommendations from a specialized working group of departmental experts. Outlined yesterday in a press release from the DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs, these measures, spearheaded by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, aim to tackle suicide and self-directed violence among individuals detained or incarcerated in facilities overseen by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) or the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP).

The reforms align with the Justice Department’s mission to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and ensure humane treatment for those in its custody. Although the suicide rate in federal custody is lower than that in local jails and state prisons, Monaco emphasized the Department’s responsibility to prevent every avoidable death.

Outlined in the newly released “Report on Actions to Reduce the Risk of Suicide by Adults in Federal Custody and Advance a Culture of Safety,” the recommendations target five key objectives for improving suicide prevention within federal facilities:

1. Enhancing information sharing to focus prevention efforts.
2. Improving access to and delivery of suicide prevention-related care.
3. Promoting a healthy environment for both staff and individuals in custody.
4. Reducing the opportunity for and lethality of self-directed violence.
5. Using data and research to refine suicide prevention policies.

Deputy Attorney General Monaco stated, “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the health and safety of every individual in our custody. Today’s reforms — recommended by experts from across the Department’s litigation, law enforcement, and policy operations — will reduce the risk of suicide among adults in federal facilities. Simply put, these measures can help us save lives.”

The recommendations stem from a comprehensive review by experts from USMS, FBOP, the Civil Rights Division, the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and other Justice Department branches. Input from external stakeholders, including suicide prevention researchers, law enforcement representatives, judicial and defense counsel organizations, and advocacy groups, informed the proposals.

The working group’s review was bolstered by insights from the Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General, which recently evaluated inmate deaths at FBOP facilities. The findings underscored institutional safety and security as critical challenges that the new reforms aim to address.

By convening listening sessions with experts and analyzing independent research, the Justice Department has crafted a detailed, data-driven plan to improve outcomes for those in its care. The reforms represent a significant step toward creating safer, more supportive federal detention facilities.