Suicide among police officers is a growing problem. Police work entails an extraordinary degree of occupational stress. Not only do officers face the prospect of death and violence in the line of duty, administrative matters and relationships with the public represent additional stressors. Police officers who fail to adapt to the multitude of pressures of police work often feel powerless and helpless, and some seek to re-establish control through suicide.
Suicide in the general population is a significant public health problem. Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death for all Americans, with white males being the most frequent victims. About 18 attempts are made for every completed suicide. Although numerous factors contribute to the decision to take one's life, research indicates that 90 percent of suicides are associated with mental illness (Stapleton 9). Many suicide deaths are preventable, but despite early warning symptoms, most victims fail to receive proper diagnosis and treatment. A combined effort on the part of the public and the mental and medical health communities is needed.
Suicide in the police population is a major health threat that has only recently begun to receive national attention. Although suicide rates among police officers are hard to find, there is some indication that twice as many officers kill themselves than are killed in the line of duty (Seligmann 58). One reason for the lack of information on police suicides is that such deaths are kept low profile. Suicide stigmatizes not only the police department but also the family members of the officers involved. In some cases, family members are not allowed to collect insurance or other benefits if suicide is acknowledged as the cause of death. Consequently, some police departments pretend that suicides are gun cleaning or hunting accidents.
The availability of guns is a significant factor in the incidence of suicide among police offi...