What Is a Suicide Prevention Vest? Why Nick Reiner Wore One in Court docket
When Nick Reiner appeared in court this week, one detail immediately stood out: the blue suicide prevention vest he was wearing.
The garment — often used in jails and hospitals when someone is believed to be at risk of self-harm — quickly sparked questions online as images from the courtroom circulated. Nick, 32, was appearing for the first time since being charged in the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
Nick appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, December 17, wearing the vest along with shackles. Seated behind glass, he stared straight ahead as his attorney, Alan Jackson, declined to enter a plea on his behalf. When the judge asked whether Nick was willing to waive his right to a speedy arraignment, he replied, “Yes, your honor.” His arraignment has been scheduled for January 7, 2026.
What Is a Suicide Prevention Vest?
As attention turned to Nick’s courtroom appearance, many people wondered exactly what the vest signifies.
Suicide prevention vests — also known as smocks or blankets — are commonly used in correctional facilities and medical settings when an individual is deemed to be a danger to themselves. The goal is to reduce the risk of self-harm while ensuring basic coverage and safety.
The vests are typically made from thick, quilted polyester or nylon and are designed without sleeves, collars, or ties. Instead, they use hook-and-loop closures, making them difficult to manipulate. The fabric cannot be easily rolled, folded, or torn, preventing it from being used to create a ligature or noose.
In many cases, individuals do not wear additional clothing beneath the vest in order to eliminate access to loose fabric that could be used to cause harm.
How These Vests Are Used in Custody
Formally known as Safety Smocks, suicide prevention vests were developed in 1989 by nurse Lonna Speer while she was working in the Santa Cruz County jail in California. They are now standard in jails and prisons across the United States and are included in the American Correctional Association’s accreditation standards.
Before Safety Smocks became widespread, facilities often placed at-risk inmates in padded cells or used paper gowns — practices that have largely been replaced by modern suicide prevention garments.
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 28: Rob Reiber and Michele Singer Reiner attends the 2018 White House Correspondents’ Dinner at Washington Hilton on April 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Where the Case Stands Now
Nick was charged on December 16, 2025, with two counts of first-degree murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
“We owe it to [Rob and Michele Reiner’s] memory to pursue justice and accountability for the lives that were tragically taken,” the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
Rob, 78, and Michele, 68, were found dead in their Brentwood, California, home on Sunday, December 14. Authorities later confirmed they had suffered “apparent stab wounds.”
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner,” a family spokesperson said in a statement shared with Variety. “We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
This article uses an AI-generated photo.