Included in this dataset: The dashboard below includes statistical data compiled by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) regarding incidents of self-harm, suicide attempts, and deaths from suicide.  

OMH defines self-harm as “self-injurious behavior with a nonfatal outcome with no evidence (either explicit or implicit) that the person intended to die.” OMH defines suicide attempt as “self-injurious behavior with a nonfatal outcome accompanied by evidence (either explicit or implicit) that the person intended to die, which may require medical and/or security intervention to reduce likelihood of death or serious injury.” Lastly, OMH defies suicide as “self-injurious behavior with a fatal outcome accompanied by evidence (either explicit or implicit) that the person intended to die.”  

Data on self-harm is monthly starting in 2020, data on suicide attempts is monthly starting from January 2014, and data on suicides is annual starting in 2014. 

One consideration to keep in mind when using this dataset is that the number of incidents of self-harm, suicide attempts, and deaths by suicide do not align exactly with the those reported in DOCCS’ unusual incident reports (UIRs). For example, OMH classifies incidents as either self-harm or suicide attempts following the clinical assessments, reviews, and consultations described below. Since 2018, OMH has stated that DOCCS has deferred to OMH’s classifications for these incidents; however, the agency does not amend its initial report of the incident to reflect this. Additionally, DOCCS may not consistently complete Unusual Incident Reports (UIRs) for non-suicidal self-injury. As a result, OMH may report a higher number of self-injury incidents than DOCCS. 

How this data is generated: OMH classifies incidents based on clinical assessment and review of documentation from both OMH and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). In some cases, OMH consults with the Central New York Psychiatric Center (CNYPC) Suicide Prevention Department. Final classifications are reviewed and compiled by the OMH Suicide Prevention Workgroup (SPWG). 

Limitations and guidelines for use: OMH and DOCCS maintain separate classification systems for self-injury. Although DOCCS may defer to OMH’s clinical determinations, it does not revise UIRs to reflect those reclassifications, resulting in discrepancies between the two datasets. 

For suicides, OMH and DOCCS classifications typically align. In cases of disagreement, further review may be required—including discussion by the Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee or consideration of pending autopsy results—before a final classification is determined. 

Why we’re publishing this data: By making this information publicly available, CANY seeks to promote a shared understanding of basic questions regarding the incarcerated population in New York State: How many instances of self-harm, suicide attempts, and completed suicides occurred across New York State prisons? What facilities did these incidents take place in? Which methods were used? And how have these answers changed over time? 

Expected update frequency: Quarterly 

Related Data, research and analysis: 

New York State Office of Mental Health – 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Report (2023–2024):  Documents a rise in crisis call volume and mobile crisis referrals, reflecting increased demands for suicide prevention and emergency mental health response across NYS. Incarcerated individuals may be able to access this lifeline, depending on facility policy. 

New York State Office of Mental Health – 2024 Suicide Prevention Report : Outlines targeted initiatives to reduce suicide risk among high-need populations, including expanded crisis infrastructure and clinical training efforts within and beyond carceral settings 

NYS Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) Annual Reports: Annual reports on the OSI’s investigations into deaths potentially caused by police officers and corrections officers. Data tables accompanying the reports, which include data on deaths by suicide, are available here. 

Correctional Association of New York – Unusual Incident Reports Dashboard: presents data reported by DOCCS on a range of incidents in NYS prisons, including violence, self-injury, and other events that may reflect mental health concerns. Note that this data does not necessarily reflect the same number of incidents of self-harm reported by OMH. 

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision – 2023 Annual Mortality Report: Provides data on deaths in custody by cause and facility, with classifications based on preliminary autopsy findings