The annual number of inmate suicides almost doubled between 1980-82 and 1987-89; the number in 1987-89 was 104, compared with 54 in 1980-82. Dr. Edna Dooley's study of inmate suicides (1990) in England and Wales between 1972 and 1987 found that the annual number of suicides rose by 121 percent over the period studied. This rate of increase was far greater than might have been predicted from the rise in the prison population. In discussing possible approaches to suicide prevention, Dooley recommended improved trust and communication between inmates and staff and improved inmate access to family and friends. A Home Office 1990 study of inmate suicide found that suicide rates are lower among female than male inmates and among younger inmates compared to older inmates. There is a high rate of suicide among remand prisoners, and life-sentence inmates are overrepresented in suicide samples. Most of the studies found that the bulk of suicides occurred soon after incarceration. Approximately half the suicides in study samples threatened or attempted suicide in the past. Current procedures for preventing suicide are to identify suicidal inmates, to help suicidal inmates recover from crisis, to reduce opportunities for suicide, and to ensure that all staff are aware of the problem of inmate suicide and how to prevent it. Efforts toward future improvements in suicide prevention strategies are focusing on improved inmate communication with the outside world. 2 tables