NCJ Number
55669
Date Published
1974
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS TRAINING FILM FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL SUGGESTS BASIC APPROACHES AND PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING POTENTIAL AND ACTUAL SUICIDES. SUICIDE PREVENTION AND FOLLOWUP ARE EMPHASIZED FROM SOCIOLOGIC AND CRIMINOLOGIC PERSPECTIVES.
Abstract
ALTHOUGH THE VALUE OF PROPER FIRST AID AND INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES IS HIGHLIGHTED, MOST OF THE FILM IS DEVOTED TO THE POLICE OFFICER'S ROLE IN HANDLING POTENTIAL SUICIDES. A POLICE DEPARTMENT SPECIALIST IN CRISIS INTERVENTION EXPLAINS THE DO'S AND DON'T'S OF DEALING WITH SUICIDES IN PROGRESS. HE RECOMMENDS A CARING, UNDERSTANDING APPROACH TO THESE TROUBLED INDIVIDUALS AND WARNS AGAINST BEING EITHER JUDGMENTAL OR TOO SYMPATHETIC, BECAUSE BOTH MAY BE MISINTERPRETED BY A POTENTIALLY SUICIDAL PERSON AS UNCONSCIOUS SUPPORT OF THEIR INTENT. THE NECESSITY OF PRESERVING EVIDENCE AT THE SCENE OF A SUCCESSFUL SUICIDE IS ALSO UNDERSCORED, ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT AS TO A DEATH BEING HOMICIDAL OR SUICIDAL. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ARE INCLUDED. (KBL)