Suicide Prevention in Probation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Suicide Prevention in Probation: A mixed methods study
IRAS ID
316282
Contact name
Laura Pope
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Deaths by suicide of people on probation have been reported as increasing in recent years. There was an 18% increase in self-inflicted deaths from 347 in 2019/20 to 409 in 2020/21 (Ministry of Justice, 2021). Recently published figures by the Ministry of Justice confirm 414 self-inflicted deaths were recorded in 2021/22. This is a 2% decrease from last year, but still accounts for 30% of all deaths by people on probation within the reporting period (Ministry of Justice, 2022a). Suicide among people on probation is an under-researched area, yet they comprise the largest group within the criminal justice system.
To advance our understanding this mixed methods research study seeks to address some of the notable gaps in the literature. It will use quantitative and qualitative approaches to integrate and triangulate different data sources gathered through three different strands. The first two strands – a realist review and testing feasibility through establishing a national case series of suicides in probation will run concurrently. The case series will include all individuals who have died by suicide (including open verdict) while under probation supervision in England and Wales from April 2019 up to March 2025. The second phase will draw on qualitative interviews with up to 12 individuals of people on probation with lived experience of a prior suicide attempt whilst under probation supervision within the last three years.
Collectively the strands will provide a theory driven approach to identifying what are the successful components of suicide prevention approaches (strand 1); a better understanding about the people at risk of dying by suicide on probation (strand 2); and how the probation process has been experienced by individuals with lived experience of a prior attempt and what helped them during that period (strand 3). The study is due to conclude by March 2027 as part of a research qualification (PhD study).REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
23/WA/0250
Date of REC Opinion
20 Sep 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion