Self-Harm Risk On The Rise At Harford County Detention Center: Report

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Individuals brought to the Harford County Detention Center are showing an increase in risk of self-harm, according to data released by the county sheriff's office.

Two weeks ago, a 52-year-old man was booked into the detention center on charges of rape in the second-degree, assault in the first-degree, assault in the second-degree, sex offense in the third- and fourth-degree. During his initial screening and health assessment, he did not present any indications of trying to harm himself, a report released by the sheriff's office stated.

Correctional deputies reported that they just completed one of their tours where they saw the individual lying in his bed with his head on the attached pillow and his feet at the other end of the bed. Approximately four minutes later, deputies unlocked his cell so he could shower. At that time, the correctional deputy saw the individual hanging from his bunk.

"He had tied his clothing around his bunk and his neck in an attempt to hang himself. Correctional deputies immediately cut him down with agency issued shears and performed life saving measures, contacted medical staff and called 911 for assistance. EMS providers arrived and transported the inmate to a local trauma facility where he was treated. After recovering in the hospital, the individual was transported back to the Harford County Detention Center. Quick actions by correctional deputies and medical staff saved this individual’s life," the report stated.

“Too often we hear about completed suicides in jails, but we rarely discuss the many inmates with mental health issues whose lives are saved in our facilities. The tireless efforts of our correctional deputies to ensure the safety of those in their care often go unnoticed. I want to commend these dedicated professionals for doing an outstanding job in a challenging and frequently thankless role," Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said.

In the past five years, admissions to the detention center have declined but those screening in with the potential to commit self-harm are trending upwards, a summary of the report shows.

Between 2020 and 2024, the Harford County Detention Center recorded various statistics related to admissions, screenings for potential self-harm, suicide attempts and suicides. In 2020, there were 3,556 admissions with 234 individuals screened for potential self-harm, seven documented suicide attempts and one suicide, the data shows.

The following year, in 2021, there were 3,404 admissions, 233 screenings, 14 suicide attempts and one suicide. In 2022, admissions slightly increased to 3,444, with 357 screenings, 15 suicide attempts and no suicides. In 2023, there were 3,400 admissions with 400 screenings, 22 suicide attempts and one suicide. Since January of 2024, there were 2,036 admissions with 460 screenings, three suicide attempts and no suicides.

"Detention centers are microcosms of our communities and it makes logical sense that our detention center would mirror what is occurring in the communities. According to the Office on Mental Health of Harford County, the suicide rate for Harford County is 10.7 per 100,000 population and that exceeds the 9.3 rate for the state of Maryland," the sheriff's office stated.

"Mental health care and addressing suicidal ideation in detention facilities are complex challenges. We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to ensuring the well-being of those in our custody. To support this commitment, we manage an over $6 million dollar contract with a medical services provider to manage the needs of our inmate population," the report stated.