Even though suicide rates have dropped at state prisons and local jails during the last 20 years according to the U.S. Department of Justice- Bureau of Justice Statistics, the new implemented procedures* may not have an effect on changing some inmate motivations to commit suicide. 

In order to control inmate motivation or behavior, one must not only look at the individual, but how the individual interacts with the environment. A change in the environment is necessary to remove the opportunity to commit suicide.   Attention must be given to the prison cell,  the predominant environment for an inmate.  The architectural and structural design of the housing units along with suicide resistant cell furnishings are very important considerations in the prevention of inmate suicide.

Nothing is foolproof.  Prisoners are very ingenious.  They come up with ideas that nobody has ever thought of before.  If an inmate intends to commit suicide, they will go to any extreme.  But a suicide prevention cell can reduce the opportunities.

WHAT exactly is a suicide prevention cell?

Most inmates commit suicide by hanging using objects of clothing (socks, underwear, belts, shoelaces, shirts) or with sheets or towels. A suicide-safe environment would be a cell or dormitory that has eliminated or minimized hanging points and unsupervised access to lethal materials.

A suicide prevention cell, due to the highly demanding nature of its use, must be able to withstand extreme physical abuse, clever entry, concealment attempts, repeated tampering and be designed with furnishings that aid in the prevention of suicide attempts. Although suicide prevention cells have an increased construction cost, taking preventive action to reduce liability is prudent risk-management. It's also just common sense.

The basic concept is to build a cell where the structure and furnishings ( bunks, combi, shelves, light fixtures,door handles, towel racks, even water faucet lips, etc.) prevent a suicide attempt. Physical environment in itself cannot ensure a safe facility.