Suicide among police officers

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 deat

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n be confusing to the individual. Then the emotional impact of the situation sets in, accompanied by common reactions like a heightened sense of danger and vulnerability, fear, anxiety, anger, and rage: "Anecdotal evidence tells us that officers who experience a strong sense of loss of control, coupled with high levels of vulnerability, are at greatest risk for developing future problems" (Honig and Roland 119). The stress of the administrative aftermath, which normally involves investigations and legal consequences, can compound the stress of the critical incident. This phase can take an unusually long time, and the officer involved might perceive that he or she is being treated like a suspect and abandoned by his or her department. The officer might feel that his or her career is in jeopardy. During these periods of powerlessness and helplessness, the officer is must vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. Several incidents of officer suicide can be traced to perceived career threats. In 1994, a surge in police suicides occurred. Two New York City officers killed themselves after being involved in corruption scandals. Another officer killed himself after a drunk driving arrest, which he knew would jeopardize his career. Yet

Category: Psychology - S