RECORDING AND REPORTING OF SELF-HARM AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDES IN CUSTODY
BY ASAD KHAN
The Inspector of Custodial Services released a new report examining the accuracy of recording and reporting data relating to self-harm and attempted suicide incidents within adult and youth custodial facilities.
The report found at least 18 suicides attempted between January and September 2023 were misclassified as threats or acts of self-harm.
An in-depth analysis found for all 18 incidents the person in custody had verbalised the intent to end life and also acted to fulfill that intent.
20 other self-harm incidents appeared to be attempted suicide but the Department of Justice recording did not include whether intent was stated by the person involved.
Eamon Ryan, the Inspector of Custodial Services said by accurately recording incidents of self-harm, the Department can build a better understanding of the extent of mental health challenges within our prison.
“So I guess self-harm attempt in very simple terms doesn't involve someone with an intention or the likelihood of taking their life. So they classified as very serious obviously, but not in the same sort of serious category as someone who is attempting suicide or showing suicidal ideations,”
“It's really important that you have really accurate data because then you make informed decisions and better decisions based on, you know, a really clear picture of the likelihood of the incidence of particular things happening,”
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist Asad Khan speak with the Inspector of Custodial Services Eamon Ryan: