What should jail staff do if an inmate continuously skips meals?

When an inmate consistently skips meals, it is essential for jail staff to investigate or report the behavior to a supervisor. This action is necessary because a refusal to eat can indicate underlying issues that may require attention, such as mental health concerns, medical conditions, or personal struggles the inmate is facing. Staff are responsible for monitoring the well-being of inmates, and taking such reports seriously contributes to maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

While changing the meal schedule or inquiring about dietary preferences might seem like solutions, they do not address the potential deeper issues that might be causing the inmate to skip meals. Ignoring the behavior could lead to further complications, like nutritional deficiencies or escalation of mental health issues. Therefore, the correct response involves proactive engagement and communication with supervisors to ensure all inmates' needs are adequately addressed and monitored.