The 1986 findings indicated that of victims, 75 percent were detained on nonviolent charges, 89 percent were confined as detainees, 60 percent were intoxicated, 94 percent died by hanging, and 89 percent were not screened for potential suicide at time of booking. These findings substantiated a 1981 suicide study and have implications for staff training. Properly trained staff can assess suicide potential and take steps to prevent it. Intake screening is essential. Training should include information on factors in the jail environment conducive to suicide, such as authoritarianism, dehumanization, and shame; predisposing factors such as recent drug and alcohol use, recent losses, guilt, and mental illness; and warning signs such as depression, intoxication/withdrawal, hopelessness, or prior suicide attempt. Training also should delineate periods during incarceration during which suicide risk is increased and provide guidelines for intake screening that should assess suicidal behavior, health, intoxication, and mental illness. New York State has developed an effective screening form that includes observations of the transporting officer and offender personal data, behavior and appearance, and criminal history. In addition, jail facilities should develop checklists for disposition and referral. 6 footnotes.