In monitoring a suicidal inmate, checks should be performed every how many minutes?

• A. Every 30 minutes
• B. Every hour
• C. Every 2 hours
• D. Every 15 minutes

Answer: (D)

The key idea is to keep a suicidal inmate under very close, timely observation because risk can change quickly. Checking every 15 minutes allows staff to spot early warning signs, respond fast to any distress or intent, and intervene before harm occurs. Longer intervals like every 30 minutes, hourly, or every two hours create gaps where a crisis could develop unnoticed. In practice, 15-minute checks are a common standard for high-risk inmates, with adjustments made based on the situation. Always document each check, noting time, observations, and any actions taken to ensure safety and accountability.