EN
This article is an attempt to place an individual committing suicide into a scientific framework and to put the problem into medical terms. However, it seems that suicide is a social issue, and needs to be addressed as a social pathology. Suicide is the most common cause of death in penal institutions and that is the reason why the main task of the prison staff is prevention by means of learning to recognize individuals and situations that pose such danger and carrying out effective interventions. The article presents the result of research into factors that increase the likelihood of suicide with a verification of a high-risk groups. The research indicates that the incarcerated as a group have a much higher suicide rate in comparison to those who enjoy freedom. Another important point for consideration is the existence of a policy and procedures of identification of prisoners who are prone to commit suicide, with the inclusion of rules of conduct in such cases in a penal institution or the lack of thereof. What is more, the discussion on the issues connected with suicide prevention should be preceded by a study of the profile of the suicides themselves, which would greatly improve the chance of diminishing their numbers. The importance of this article lies in indicating research of personality traits of individuals prone to suicide and of a method of preventing suicide among the incarcerated.