NCJ Number
220727
Date Published
2007
Length
192 pages
Annotation
This book attempts to bring together old and new information on police suicide and introduces some promising findings.
Abstract
The police have a pivotal role in preserving law and order in the communities they serve. Although the media and general public emphasize the physical danger of police work, they tend to overlook the psychological danger putting officers in danger of depression and suicide. In exploring new horizons of police suicide, the findings in this book may further expand and assist first-responder professionals who face adversity at work. Contributions in this book can be useful to law enforcement practitioners as well as researchers and therapists. It is hoped that new ideas will spur to assist persons in this difficult, unforgiving, and psychologically dangerous occupation. The book is divided into 10 chapters. Chapter 1 gives an introduction to the book’s chapters which discuss important issues in police suicide. Chapter 2 is a review of classical studies in suicide which informed the basis for ideas about police suicide. Chapter 3 discusses some of the issues involved with questions regarding the accuracy and validity of police suicide rates. Chapter 4 discusses probable precipitating factors associated with police suicide, such as stress. Chapter 5 involves a discussion of the impact of police retirement. When police retire, they may feel insecure and alone as civilians. Like other population suicides, police suicides are not always obvious or detectable. Chapter 6 discusses the idea of “suicide by suspect.” Chapter 7 describes some of the possible antecedents (prior circumstances) of murder suicide; certain factors in policing may increase the risk of murder-suicide including domestic violence. Chapter 8 discusses the plight of survivors of police suicide who face considerable difficulties due to the violent nature of the suicide. Chapter 9 contains information and suggestions for police suicide prevention. Chapter 10, the final chapter sums up some of the ideas and conclusions presented throughout the book. References and index