NCJ Number
165241
Journal
American Journal of Industrial Medicine Volume: 30 Dated: (1996) Pages: 99-104
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Data from Buffalo, N.Y. were used to compare the risks of suicide, homicide, and accidental death among police officers and other municipal workers.
Abstract
The analysis focused on municipal employees and police officers who worked 5 years or more in their major job from 1950-79. The cohort was updated for police officers from 1979-90. The analysis focused on the deaths of 39 police officers and 89 municipal workers. Results revealed that police officers had a higher total number of suicides than municipal workers, but fewer total accidents, homicides, and undetermined deaths. Within the police occupation, police officers had an 8.23-fold risk of suicide over homicide and a 3.1-fold risk of suicide over accidents. Overall, police officers had an increased relative risk for suicide over all types of external causes of death in comparison to municipal workers. Findings indicated that suicide may be considered as a potential risk to police officers, in addition to other hazards of policing. Findings also suggested that police organizations should develop and increase accessibility to confidential psychological services to assist troubled officers. Police suicide training programs should also include recognition of depression, communication skills, conflict resolution, and maintenance of intimate relationships. Tables and 55 references (Author abstract modified)