In recent years, the number of suicides in the Dutch prison system has fluctuated. Overall, in the past decade an average of 6.5 inmates committed suicide each year. In the years 1995 and 1996, however, the number rose to 14 and 16, respectively. There is no empirical evidence about which measures, or combinations of measures, are successful in the reduction of imminent suicide risk. Nevertheless, there are several measures that can be used to reduce acute suicidal risk. The most effective suicide prevention programs are probably those that use a multitude of strategies. These include screening to identify individuals with heightened suicide risk, close monitoring of suicidal individuals, removal of potentially lethal instruments and/or placement in a "suicide-proof" environment, provision of psychological support for suicidal detainees, and the transfer of suicidal detainees to institutions/wards better equipped to deal with suicidal individuals. In addition, procedures must be clear to all employees in contact with detainees, and they must be applied consistently. A suicide prevention protocol is thus beneficial, if not necessary, and proper staff training in prevention procedures is highly recommended. The Netherlands' approach to inmate suicide prevention focuses on screening, monitoring, incapacitation (placing a high-risk inmate in an environment or under conditions in which it is virtually impossible to commit suicide), psychological support, and transfer to specialized institutions. Currently Dutch houses of detention have their own protocols for suicide prevention. The Dutch Ministry of Justice is gathering notes and protocols with the aim of centrally developing standardized guidelines. In addition, postgraduate courses in suicide prevention are being offered to psychologists who are working in penal institutions. 18 references