NCJ Number
193537
Date Published
2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article first identifies those aspects of police subculture that influence officers to resist seeking help for emotional problems, and then it discusses the police supervisor's role in suicide prevention and intervention, followed by the description of a prevention and intervention training model.
Abstract
The police culture tends to emphasize strength and independence, which encourages police officers to maintain a facade of invincibility. It is important for police agencies and policymakers to recognize that there is a significant problem of suicide among police officers. Departmental culture should be molded so that police officers are comfortable in seeking and receiving psychological services when necessary. The attitude, professionalism, and compassion of the police supervisor can play a major role in creating such an environment. In a profession fraught with continual violence, death, and many other major stresses, departments must ensure that competent and confidential mental health services are available for officers. Training designed to prevent officer suicide should be divided into segments that encompass police suicide statistics, those affected by an officer's suicide, risks for suicide, myths about suicide, the verbal and behavioral warning signs for suicide, and events that can precipitate suicide. Guidelines are also provided for intervention, including active listening, the cultivation of hope, and an emphasis on the temporary nature of current situations and problems.