Mecklenburg Sheriff's Office says suicide attempts are on the rise in the jail | WFAE 90.7

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office says there has been a noticeable increase in suicide attempts at the jail. So far, 15 attempts have been reported this year.

The Sheriff's Office says that during 2023 there were 19 attempts and in 2022 the Sheriff's Office successfully intervened to stop 24 attempts. A man, William Rhinesmith, committed suicide in 2022. Rhinesmith, 47, was found hanging in his cell. A state inspection said officers missed nearly a fifth of required safety checks in the 36 hours after his death.

The Sheriff's Office reached a settlement in April regarding a suicide death that occurred in 2021. Devin Haley, 41, was found hanging in his cell. His family sued the sheriff's office and Wellpath, the jail's health care provider at the time. According to the lawsuit, Haley never received the antidepressants he repeatedly requested and was prescribed. A state inspection said officers missed several security checks in the 24 hours before her body was found. The sheriff's office says it contributed $275,000, or 10 percent of the total settlement.

A news release from the sheriff's office says Sheriff Garry McFadden “remains confident in the dedication and ability of his officers” — and the jail's new health care provider, VitalCore Strategies, to continue to respond and put an end to suicide attempts. The statement also said an officer recently saved an inmate's life with the help of fellow inmates, highlighting “our commitment to vigilance and teamwork to prevent tragedies.”

The press release also mentions that staff receive “rigorous training” to handle emergency medical and crisis responses – and that there is “seamless coordination” between security administration, medical teams and mental health units to ensure rapid responses.