Washington, DC – The Justice Department announced a slate of more than 50 new measures Friday aimed at reducing suicides among adults held in federal custody, unveiling one of the most extensive suicide-prevention efforts ever implemented in the federal justice system.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco detailed the reforms, which apply to detainees in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and inmates under the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP). The announcement follows recommendations from a department-wide working group of experts tasked with developing strategies to address suicide and self-directed violence behind bars.
While federal facilities record a lower suicide rate compared to state prisons and local jails, officials said the Department must work to prevent every possible death. The new framework, outlined in the Report on Actions to Reduce the Risk of Suicide by Adults in Federal Custody and Advance a Culture of Safety, sets five objectives: expanding information sharing, improving access to mental health care, fostering healthier facility environments, reducing opportunities for self-harm, and advancing policy through data-driven research.
“Today’s reforms will reduce the risk of suicide among adults in federal facilities,” Monaco said. “Simply put, these measures can help us save lives.”
The reforms are the result of a comprehensive review involving USMS, FBOP, the Civil Rights Division, the National Institute of Justice, and other DOJ offices. The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General, which recently flagged inmate deaths as a critical challenge for the Bureau of Prisons, also contributed input.
Officials consulted a broad coalition of outside experts, including suicide prevention researchers, prison reform advocates, federal defenders, and law enforcement representatives. Their feedback shaped the recommendations now set to guide federal suicide prevention policy.
The rollout marks a significant step in the Department’s effort to improve inmate safety and ensure humane treatment for those in federal custody.
Key Points
- DOJ unveiled more than 50 new measures to reduce suicides in federal custody.
- Reforms focus on mental health care, facility culture, information sharing, and reducing self-harm opportunities.
- Announcement follows an expert-led review with input from outside researchers, advocates, and law enforcement.
The Justice Department says the measures are designed with one goal in mind: saving lives.