NCJ Number
213791
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 54 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 90-92
Date Published
March 2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article suggests actions that law enforcement agencies can take to reduce the risk of suicide among officers.
Abstract
The suicide rate for police officers is three time that of the general population; and three times as many officers kill themselves (approximately 300 annually) compared to the number of officers killed by criminals in the line of duty. This makes officer suicide the most lethal threat in police work. The risk of suicide is greatest in officers with prior histories of depression and those who have recently faced debilitating stressors linked to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Suicidal crises tend to be short, which means that timely intervention can significantly reduce the risk. Much can be done by law enforcement agencies to counter and prevent officer depression and suicide. First, the severity of the problem must be acknowledged and openly addressed by both command and line officers through instruction in occupational stress, signs of impairment, and how to cope with stress in positive ways. Next, officers should receive training in crisis intervention skills that they can use with fellow officers. This is the rationale underlying the peer counseling programs in many departments. Also, supervisors must be alert to signs of depression and other problems that may signal the possibility of suicidal thoughts. Finally, there must be a convenient and nonstigmatizing system for referring distressed officers for psychological help. When the acute crisis has passed, referral to a mental health clinician is crucial in determining the officer's fitness for duty and in helping the officer build mental and emotional resources to prevent subsequent crises. Warning signs that officers are in distress and at risk for suicide are outlined.