suicide smock

suicide smock
 n.— «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.» —“‘Suicide’ smock” Sunday Mail (Queensland, Australia) June 18, 1995. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)