NCJ Number
125038
Journal
Detective Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 19-22
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Law enforcement and military officials must be prepared to deal with suicides, as suicide can be found within their own ranks.
Abstract
In 1988, the typical Army suicide victim was between the ages of 18 and 21. Approximately 70 percent of suicides in the Army are committed by enlisted soldiers, with specialists and corporals having the highest suicide rates. Although some suicides are committed impulsively, the overwhelming majority are not. Statistics indicate that traumatic events or long periods of severe personal problems preceded most of the suicides. The leading causative factor leading to suicide is marital difficulties. Depression, romantic involvements, family problems, and legal difficulties also contribute to cases of suicide. The installation working group is designed to ease the burden that survivors must deal with when a death occurs. Understanding the pain that survivors experience during this period is the right beginning. Other responsibilities include: (1) ensuring that an investigating officer is appointed if the circumstances warrant; (2) ensuring that case documents are properly prepared, internally consistent, and promptly dispatched; and (3) ensuring that all public statements are coordinated and released through the public affairs office. 3 figures.