Self-injurious behaviour in police custody

A Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in Australia, reported in April 1991, focused attention on the problem of self-injurious behaviour among incarcerated individuals. This paper examines the specific issue of the police custodial setting. A review of the relevant literature has been undertaken to identify risk factors and determine profiles of persons at risk. Preventive approaches are examined and formats for screening questionnaires are advanced.