Dictionary definition of “suicide smock”

suicide smock

n. an over-garment that is supposedly unusable for self-strangulation and is given to inmates believed to be a danger to themselves. Subjects: English, Apparel, Appearance, & Fashion, Crime & Prisons

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Citations: 1995 Sunday Mail (Queensland, Australia) (June 18) “‘Suicide’ smock”: Police have invented a “suicide smock” to stop prisoners from killing themselves in Queensland’s overcrowded watchhouses. A smock was used last Thursday night at Beenleigh watchhouse after police rescued a 30-year-old prisoner who tried to hang himself with strips from a torn-up pillow-slip. They are like a dressing gown made of heavy unrippable material and prisoners can wear them when other clothing that can be used in a suicide attempt is taken away. 1995 Cheryl Martinis The Oregonian (Portland) (Sept. 22) “Whitson Arraigned On Murder Counts” p. B10: During his initial court appearance, Whitson wore a “suicide smock” and said he wanted to waive all his rights, suggesting he doesn’t plan to contest the charges. 2006 Julia Reynolds Herald (Monterey, California) (May 1) “Mental health facility ordered”: No mattress or blanket. He was only wearing what’s called a suicide smock. They found him dead in his cell at 6:45 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2005. The smock was wrapped around his neck. 2007 John Ingold @ Lafayette Denver Post (Colorado) (Mar. 12) “Damm case: Kids next door?”: A year-and-a-half-ago, Grove tried to kill himself, according to court documents. For that reason, the Boulder County Jail has placed him on suicide watch, and in his mug shot—the one with his hair standing wildly on end—he is wearing what is known as a “suicide smock,” a garment that can’t be made into a noose.

Posted 13 Mar 07 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

this is also known as a “hug me” jacket

by Randi Dodge 21 Mar 07, 0250 GMT