New York City officials announced the launch of a review of suicides and self-harm in jails using a $400,000 grant from the Department of Justice on Oct. 28. Officials say the review will take the “sentinel event” approach, which tries to determine the cause of events. This approach is appropriate for the issue of jail suicides, given that procedures for preventing such suicides are not always followed. The need to follow suicide prevention procedure is especially important in prisons, because the environment is conducive to self-harm and the demographics of inmates tend to be those that are most susceptible to suicide. Given that New York’s jail suicide rate is already lower than the national average, this review gives the city the opportunity to lead the nation in addressing an issue that has persisted for years.

The National Institute of Corrections’ suicide training guide explains that jails increase the risk of suicide because they diminish personal control and remove inmates from social support networks. Furthermore, inmates are isolated and do not have access to proper mental health resources. It is easy for citizens to take their access to mental health support for granted and ignore the adverse situations that inmates face. In addition, jails house high suicide risk demographics including young men, mentally ill individuals and substance abusers. The guide notes that these factors, when coupled with the shame of incarceration and fear of other inmates, have caused jail suicide rates to be significantly higher than the norm.

The review, which is expected to last three years, is expected to address current procedures and the communication between the Department of Correction and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Communication is a pivotal element in addressing these issues because prison conditions are often hidden from the outside world. Earlier this summer, Jose Bautista attempted suicide in his cell on Rikers Island after he was unable to post bail. Correction officers quickly stopped Bautista, handcuffed him and proceeded to beat him until he needed surgery. This is only one instance of how prisoner abuse often goes underreported and procedures are ignored.

New York City is the epicenter of social progress, so it is reassuring to see it live up its progressive image. More than that,  the suicide review is a reminder that the city has not given up on an often forgotten population, though it might sometimes seem like it has. The United States has the highest incarceration rate of any developed nation. This has had serious consequences in overcrowded and underserved prisons. New York is taking steps toward a solution. While the review is unlikely to change much, it at least proves that the city government recognizes the issue and has taken the initiative to examine prison conditions.

A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, Oct. 29 print edition. Email the WSN Editorial Board at [email protected].