How should high risk suicidal inmates be monitored?

High-risk suicidal inmates require continuous monitoring to ensure their safety and well-being. This level of supervision is crucial because these individuals may exhibit impulsive behavior or may make attempts to harm themselves at any moment. Continuous monitoring allows staff to respond immediately if a crisis arises, potentially averting a suicide attempt.

In contrast, options that suggest monitoring every hour or every 15 minutes do not provide the necessary level of supervision, as intervals can allow critical moments to go unobserved. Additionally, only monitoring during therapy sessions neglects the continuous risk that suicidal individuals pose outside of structured therapy times, which may fail to address their ongoing mental health needs. Continuous monitoring is a key practice in safeguarding the lives of those deemed high-risk, as it provides the assurance that there is always an observer present to intervene if needed.