The Harford County Sheriff’s Office released data today that highlights the mental health issues of our incarcerated population.
Over the past 5 years, admissions into the Detention Center have been on the decline, but those screening in with the potential to commit self-harm are trending upwards. Between 2020 and 2024, the Harford County Detention Center recorded various statistics related to admissions, screenings for potential self-harm, suicide attempts, and suicides. In 2020, there were 3,556 admissions, with 234 individuals screened for potential self-harm, 7 documented suicide attempts, and 1 suicide. The following year, in 2021, there were 3,404 admissions, 233 screenings, 14 suicide attempts, and again, 1 suicide. In 2022, admissions slightly increased to 3,444, with 357 screenings, 15 suicide attempts, and no suicides. In 2023, we saw 3,400 admissions, with 400 screenings, 22 suicide attempts, and 1 suicide. Finally, since January of 2024, there were 2,036 admissions, with 460 screenings, 3 suicide attempts, and no suicides.
The data definitions are as follows: “Admissions” refers to the number of individuals processed through booking at the detention center. “Screened” denotes those identified as potential self-harm risks among the admissions. “Attempts” refers to documented instances of self-harm attempts while in custody. “Suicides” is self-explanatory, indicating the number of suicides that occurred within the facility.
Detention Centers are microcosms of our communities, and it makes logical sense that our Detention Center would mirror what is occurring in the communities. According to the Office on Mental Health of Harford County, the suicide rate for Harford County is 10.7 per 100,000 population and that exceeds the 9.3 rate for the state of Maryland.
Mental health care and addressing suicidal ideation in detention facilities are complex challenges. We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to ensuring the well-being of those in our custody. To support this commitment, we manage an over $6 million dollar contract with a medical services provider to manage the needs of our inmate population. Correctional Deputies face the challenge of managing inmates with suicidal ideation and mental health needs, who require constant vigilance and specialized care to prevent self-harm. The unpredictable and high-stress environment of a correctional facility adds to the difficulty, as deputies must balance the safety of the individual with the broader security of the institution. Their work is emotionally taxing, demanding both empathy and resilience as they strive to protect vulnerable individuals while maintaining order.
Two weeks ago, an adult male inmate, 52, attempted to take his own life. This individual had been booked into the Detention Center on charges of Rape 2nd, Assault 1st, Assault 2nd, Sex Offense 3rd and 4th degree. During his initial screening and health assessment, he did not present any indications of trying to harm himself. Correctional Deputies advised that they just completed one of their tours where they observed the individual to be laying in his bed with his head on the attached pillow and his feet at the other end of the bed. Approximately four minutes later, deputies unlocked his cell so he could shower. At that time, the Correctional Deputy observed the individual to be hanging from his bunk. He had tied his clothing around his bunk and his neck in an attempt to hang himself. Correctional Deputies immediately cut him down with agency issued shears and performed life saving measures, contacted medical staff, and called 911 for assistance. EMS providers arrived and transported the inmate to a local trauma facility where he was treated. After recovering in the hospital, the individual was transported back to the Harford County Detention Center. Quick actions by Correctional Deputies and medical staff saved this individual’s life.
Sheriff Gahler remarked, “Too often we hear about completed suicides in jails, but we rarely discuss the many inmates with mental health issues whose lives are saved in our facilities. The tireless efforts of our Correctional Deputies to ensure the safety of those in their care often go unnoticed. I want to commend these dedicated professionals for doing an outstanding job in a challenging and frequently thankless role.”