January 22, 2014

"An anti-suicide smock, Ferguson, turtle suit, or suicide gown is a tear-resistant single-piece outer garment..."

"... that is generally used to prevent a hospitalized, incarcerated, or otherwise detained individual from forming a noose with the garment to commit suicide. The smock is typically a simple, sturdily quilted, collarless, sleeveless, gown with adjustable openings at the shoulders and down the front that are closed with nylon hook-and-loop or similar fasteners. The thickness of the garment makes it impossible to roll or fold the garment so it can be used as a noose. It is not a restraint and provides modesty and warmth while not impeding the mobility of the wearer."

From the Wikipedia article "Anti-suicide smock," found after reading the NYT article "A Movie Date, a Text Message and a Fatal Shot," which contained the sentence: "The shooting and Mr. Reeves’ appearance in court, looking dazed in his dark green antisuicide smock, shocked those who know him and describe him as generous and friendly."

(Photo of Curtis J. Reeves Jr. in the green sleeveless garment.)

5 comments:

KCFleming said...

1. Clearly, only policemen should have guns.

2. No smocking in the theater.

rhhardin said...

"It is not a restraint and provides modesty and warmth while not impeding the mobility of the wearer."

Colorless green ideas sleep furiously.

Bob Boyd said...

The old guy's pet peeve turned on him.

Anonymous said...

If you've ever watched the reality series 'Jail' you can see prisoners dressed in them.

Wince said...

He's behind a podium. What about his pants? Are they "man shorts" with legs too short to be fashioned into a garrote?

Or do they force him to do a Gaby Hoffman?