Through this study it was determined that prisoners were more susceptible to suicide than was the general population, at least during 1996 and 1997. It was also found that the community offenders were more vulnerable to violent death and had rates of suicide similar to those in prison. This phenomenon was explained by the greater accessibility to drugs in the community than in prisons. According to the author, the prison system was taking steps to resolve the problem by offering anti-drug programs and counseling to recently released offenders. The probation service and other agencies need to keep developing coordinated strategies to reduce violent deaths. To achieve this goal changes in policy are necessary. three tables.