Opinion ID: 4531499
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Defective on its Face5

Text: Andrews argues that the KOP Policy is defective on its face for three reasons. First, it is based on where the inmate is housed and not upon the inmate’s condition. Second, the KOP Policy does not require a suicide risk assessment prior to participation in the program. Third, the policy does not contain an automatic exclusion for individuals with a mental health history or who have previously attempted suicide. Andrews’ first assertion is flawed because, as the district court observed, it glosses over the fact that the KOP Policy does not dictate where an inmate is housed; the Jail staff make that decision, based upon an individualized assessment of the inmate. And, even if a patient otherwise qualifies for the program because she is housed in the general population, the Policy allows the Jail personnel “to restrict self administration privileges to any inmate if necessary, to assure the safety and security of the patient.” Dr. Clafton also attested to this discretion. Carnill said the same—that the KOP did not restrict him from deeming White ineligible for the KOP if he perceived that White might be a danger to herself. The district court correctly rejected this argument. Andrews’ second argument fails because, as noted, a pretrial detainee does not have an automatic right to a suicide screening. See Gray, 399 F.3d at 616. As for the third argument, Andrews offers no explanation why a past suicide attempt makes a current one “clearly foreseeable” such that an automatic exclusion was required.6 In fact, this court has held that a prison official’s duty to recognize an inmate’s risk of committing suicide has a temporal component. See Linden v. Washtenaw Cty., 167 F. App’x 410, 421 (6th Cir. 2006) (holding that to be held liable, “a prison official must be cognizant of the significant likelihood that an inmate may imminently seek to take his own life”) (quoting Estate of Novack ex rel. Turbin v. Cty. of Wood, 226 F.3d 525, 529 (7th Cir. 2000)). In short, the KOP Policy is not defective on its face. 5 We have reordered Andrews’ arguments somewhat. 6 The Jail did not have White’s mental health history. No. 19-1992 Andrews v. Wayne Cty., Mich. Page 11