The international literature reveals two competing theories of suicide while in custody: deprivation theory, where it is assumed that custodial conditions precipitate suicidal behavior; and importation theory, which assumes that suicidal behavior in prison mirrors such behavior in the larger society. Methodological deficiencies in empirical studies do not permit support for either theoretical model and also flaw statistical profiles of suicidal inmates. Australian inmate suicide data were obtained through a questionnaire distributed to all correction services departments. Data, which cover 1980-1985, address inmate sociodemography, offenses, confinement conditions, death circumstances, and inmate psychological and medical characteristics. Findings support numerous previous studies which show a high rate of prison suicides, particularly among young inmates with no prior imprisonment and with a history of self-inflicted injury or attempted suicide. The study concludes with recommendations for preventive measures pertaining to induction into prison, services to inmates and their families, emergency procedures, management policy, correctional officers' role, services to correctional officers, research, and the provision of data on self-inflicted injury. 11 notes, questionnaire, and 50 references.