[Semi-structured interviews on suicidality in the Hamburg pre-trial detention center]

A detailed study regarding inmates' suicides was conducted in the detention center of Holstenglacis Hamburg (UHA). This study was triggered by an above-average number of attempted and committed suicides in detention centers in Germany and in particular, two committed suicides in the above-mentioned prison in early 2012. In this qualitative empirical study, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with inmates and staff of the UHA Hamburg. The focus was placed on aspects encountered in the daily life within the detention center and stressful situations that could encourage suicides. This article presents the most striking results of the study which are used as a basis for proposing several preventative measures. The aim of this article is to present new ideas and methods conducive to a decrease in the number of suicides in detention centers at minimal costs and personnel expenses.