A primary responsibility of any mental health professional working in corrections is to coordinate an effective suicide prevention program. This article reviews some of the major warning signs that mental health providers should evaluate when assessing inmates suspected of significant suicide risk. It discusses a method of organizing the suicide assessment and categorizing referrals as inappropriate, malingering or at true risk, along with methods of distinguishing among the three types. The article also reviews some of the primary differences in inmate suicide attempts as opposed to suicidal gestures. It includes various accompanying outcome recommendations. The article claims that, if mental health professionals have appropriate organized systems to handle suicide assessments and carefully document all procedures, they should be able to fulfill this responsibility in a manner fully defensible against any outside challenge. Figure, references