Combining the skills of Christine Tartaro, an insightful criminologist, and David Lester, a leading suicidologist, Suicide and Self-harm in Prisons and Jails is not only timely, but also the most important book on the topic since Lester's Suicide Behind Bars two decades ago. Richly detailed, weaving together research, case examples, and the law, the authors allow the reader to appreciate and understand the complexity of suicide in prisons and jails, as both present very different rates and dynamics, and how to help. This book is a prime contribution for forensic specialists, law enforcement and correctional officers, students, and those of us who investigate the deaths for legal and liability issues. I predict that it will become the standard.

Antoon A. Leenaars, author of The Psychological Autopsy

Tartaro and Lester provide an accessible overview of the epidemiology and etiology of prison suicidality and self mutilation, as well as a critical assessment of clinical/prevention issues including screening programs, crisis counseling, environmental designs (that can limit opportunities for suicide), and litigation regarding system negligence. It is clearly the leading source on the topic for both researchers and practitioners.

Steven Stack, Wayne State University

This book is a thoroughly researched and comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge on the subject of suicide prevention in the custodial environment. It should prove valuable for any mental health professional who works with inmates, as well as for correctional staff and administrators who are tasked with ensuring the safety of an incarcerated population. Overall, Suicide and Self-Harm in Prisons and Jails is a comprehensive, eminently practical guide to this critical topic, and represents an important contribution to the field.

Journal Of Forensic Science

A very much needed comprehensive and practical book. It will help in the hard work of preventing suicide in prisons. Highly recommended for anyone interested in suicide prevention and prison environment.

Maurizio Pompili, Sapienza University of Rome