Corrections_Today_May_June_2020_Vol.82_No.3

Communications & Publications

prison is challenged to assess and adjust treatment over a longer period. In addition to identifying risk and providing treatment, facility design, housing assignments, and programs are important aspects of prevention. The author suggests that isolation time be reduced for both disciplinary and management purposes. Since the book was written, increased attention to reducing lock-in time as a disciplinary sanction has been either adapted philosophically or changed by law, such as daily out of lock-in time increased from one hour to four hours for inmates in New York state prisons and jails. When the level of care is not directed by good practice, legal intervention becomes necessary. Landmark cases defining the the consequences of not giving credence to this responsibility are covered effectively. This includes an update on Kingsley v. Hendrickson (2015). Where this case is applied objectively, it may improve the stance of pre-trial inmates in lawsuits, based on their right of protection from harm to self and others. Facilities are alerted to improve suicide prevention protocols to avoid lawsuits and possible court injunctions related to the physical plant. The final chapter suggests opportunities for suicide prevention. The author overlooked the important work of the National Association of importance of appropriate medical care in custody and

Counties and the National Sheriffs Association in the development of the Stepping Up Initiative. This nation-wide effort, based in part on the sequential intercept model, has promoted crisis intervention training for law enforcement and 911 professionals, created mental health/law enforcement partner response teams, and increased diversion and re-entry planning in more than 450 jurisdictions. Any reader of this book should consider the impact of criminal justice reform on suicide and self-harm. This project is enhanced through efforts of corrections professionals to accommodate populations with special needs while continuing opportunities for the general population. Correctional facilities developed out of the box solutions such as mental health therapy housing units, pet therapy, art therapy, yoga and peer programs. Some jails have Veterans housing units and coordinate with local Veteran Services to provide resources in the jail, with transition to services upon release. Administrators developed relationships with community resources to provide training that is outside their regular curriculum so

that officers understand trauma, crisis intervention, and restorative practices. Any reader of this book should consider the impact of criminal justice reform on suicide and self- harm. As more people are diverted from incarceration, the remaining population becomes more volatile as only those with the most troubled histories and violent crimes are incarcerated. The money saved on reduced incarceration rates must remain in budgets that support improved jail and prison operations, diversion programs and recidivism reduction. Officer training and self- care opportunities are essential, particularly as officers are increasingly working mandated overtime to supervise suicidal inmates. This book lacks correction officer/ facility input. For example, an officer could add that not only are family members sources of information, as noted by the author, they are also sources of distress. A family member who finds it necessary to initiate a divorce or break up or take the children out of state, should notify correctional and/or mental health staff so that support is available. Some relatives who don’t want to visit go so far as to say the jail wouldn’t let them in, when in fact they didn’t come to the facility. The incentives suggested on page 228 don’t necessarily work. If a facility is overcrowded, or conversely housing units are closed due to low population, it isn’t possible to move

112 — May/June 2020 Corrections Today