A Christmas Eve Suicide In The Pinellas County Jail
Posted by
Bob CarrollDecember 28, 2005 5:08 AMShould this suicide have been prevented? Juvenal Hernandez Flores, 28, of 2903 Forestbrook Drive, Charlotte, N.C., was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on Thursday. He was being held on charges of failing to appear in court and driving without a driver's license. A Sheriff's Office report notes Flores made suicidal statements while he was being booked. It appears he was recognized as a suicide risk, placed in a medical wing where he could have close observation and constant surveillance by deputies and closed-circuit television. He was re-evaluated on Friday. His observations were reduced to every 15 minutes. On Christmas Eve Flores, used his inmate pants to hang himself.
Could this suicide have been prevented? Juvenal Hernandez Flores, 28, of 2903 Forestbrook Drive, Charlotte, N.C., was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on Thursday. He was being held on charges of failing to appear in court and driving without a driver's license. A Sheriff's Office report notes Flores made suicidal statements while he was being booked. It appears he was recognized as a suicide risk, placed in a medical wing where he could have close observation and constant surveillance by deputies and closed-circuit television. He was re-evaluated on Friday. His observations were reduced to every 15 minutes. On Christmas Eve Flores, used his inmate pants to hang himself. From Tampa Bay Online.
Inmates in prisons or jails sometimes have physical or emotional problems which require proper attention. That attention must be provided by the facility. If there is any indication of suicidal thoughts or ideations appropriate suicide precautions and even psychiatric evaluations are mandatory.