Report of the Inquiry into the circumstances of the Death of Bernard ...

Paragraph 5.1.4, states that:
“research has indicated that at prison level, lower rates of self-inflicted deaths
over time are associated with higher rates of purposeful activity, even when the
type of prison is taken into account”
and that
Segregation
“vulnerable prisoners were significantly less distressed in those prisons where
they had less time in cell, higher levels of employment and offending behaviour
programmes, and where association was less frequently cancelled”.
Paragraph 5.1.5, states that
“Interviews with suicidal and self-harming prisoners confirm their view of the
importance of having ‘something to do’ as an alternative to self-harm.”
14.12 The policy states that: “A disproportionate number of prisoners who kill
themselves do so in Segregation Units, many within 24 hours of location there.” (PSO
2700, paragraph 8.6.14)
14.13 Prisoners on an open ACCT plan or in the post-closure phase must not be placed
in accommodation (such as a Segregation Unit or special accommodation) that reduces
their access to social support, other people, activities and stimulation unless,
exceptionally, they are such a risk to others that no other suitable location is appropriate
and where all other options have been tried or are considered inappropriate (PSO 2700,
paragraph 8.6.15).
14.14 Location of an ‘at-risk’ prisoner in the Segregation Unit must be authorised by the
duty governor, who must record in the ACCT document why it was considered
necessary (PSO 2700, paragraph 8.6.16). A mental heath assessment must be
undertaken within 24 hours (PSO 2700, paragraph 8.6.17). Until then, there must be
observations or conversations with the prisoner at irregular intervals five times in every
hour (PSO 2700, paragraph 8.7.19).
14.15 Conversations are “supportive interactions when the member of staff talks with
the prisoner. Observations are checks, appropriate when the prisoner is asleep at night.”
(PSO 2700, paragraph 8.7.1)
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