A team of researchers including from Western Sydney University has received funding through the NSW Government’s Small Business Innovation and Research program to explore the feasibility of a new suicide and self-harm prevention tool in correctional facilities.
Professor Paul Breen from Western Sydney University’s MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development said the research trial seeks to develop non-invasive measures to identify those at risk of self-harm or suicide by detecting vital signs and identifying risk behaviours.
“There is an urgent need to support Corrective Services NSW and Justice Health NSW to tackle the critical challenge of monitoring people at-risk in prison to minimise the risk of self-harm and suicide, whilst maintaining the highest quality care in an environment of increasing demand and complexity,” said Professor Breen.
“We know from recent research that the prevalence of suicide attempts during incarceration is 8.6 per cent in men and 12.2 per cent in women – with one in ten individuals attempting suicide at some point during their incarceration.”
“This is three times higher during the period of incarceration compared to the entire lifetime of the general adult population living in the community.”
Professor Breen said the feasibility study will explore the use of mmWave radar, edge computation and long-range wireless communication to address the unique challenges of identifying and effectively managing at risk inmates.
The study also aims to provide a comprehensive and seamless solution to be integrated into existing operations to support non-medical Correctional Services officers to protect inmates from self-harm and prevent unnatural deaths in custody.
“Data collected by the sensors will be applied to a risk management tool and dashboard created by the team and informed through consultation and co-design with former prison officers and inmates,” said Professor Breen.
“Key to our efforts are not just the sensors and communication systems, but understanding what is required from a systems and process perspective allowing us to offer a new solution that addresses core challenges for correctional services that we hope will save lives.”
The feasibility study is a collaborative project involving researchers from Western Sydney University, the University of Wollongong, and led by industry partner 3AIM Solutions.
The Small Business Innovation and Research program is a state government initiative that provides competitive grants to small and medium-sized enterprises to develop innovative solutions to challenges identified by NSW Government agencies.
For 24/7 help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 000 for emergency services.
