The Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has faced a series of suicides this year, with four confirmed or suspected cases so far. The recent deaths bring the total to a dozen suicides in the state correctional system since 2020. This increase has prompted a federal lawsuit filed by lawyer Eric Seitz, who claims the mental health services within the correctional system are inadequate.
The lawsuit seeks the appointment of a special master to oversee mental health treatment for Hawaii prisoners. The state has been accused of failing to make promised improvements in this area. The recent deaths have highlighted the ongoing crisis in mental health services within the state prison system.
The deaths have raised concerns about the treatment of mentally ill inmates, with accusations of inadequate training for staff and the placement of mentally ill inmates in disciplinary isolation cells, which may increase the risk of suicides. The state has also faced criticism for sending mentally ill individuals to correctional facilities when they should be receiving treatment elsewhere.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has issued statements regarding the recent inmates’ deaths, with autopsies confirming suicide by hanging in two cases. The situation has become more alarming, according to Seitz, who believes that the mental health crisis within the correctional system is escalating. The upcoming trial for the federal lawsuit could potentially lead to outside oversight of mental health services in Hawaii prisons and jails.
Source
Photo credit www.civilbeat.org
