NCJ Number
193551
Date Published
2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article provides background information and a framework for developing a proper approach to evaluating the suicide risk potential of police officers.
Abstract
The author first reviews the risk factors associated with police suicide. The focus is on individual psychological characteristics of the officer in interactions with the police subculture. The aspects of the police subculture that aggravate suicide risk are the "warrior" mentality, the lack of usual protective supports, and easy access to firearms. Fear of being perceived as weak and the consequences this perception has for career advancement obstruct help-seeking behaviors by officers. Since a majority of persons at risk of suicide manifest their intent prior to making a suicide attempt, Morey (1996) advises that test instruments can be used to identify and intervene in higher risk cases. Morey developed a suicide ideation scale based on the Personality Assessment Inventory; it identifies an individual who is having intense and recurrent thoughts about suicide. Other scales that can be used to assess suicide risk are the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Index-2 (MMPI-2), the Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire, the Suicide Probability Scale, and the Suicide Constellation Score on the Rorschach Test. Protective reasons for living should be included in a suicide risk assessment. These measures are clinical tools that may be helpful in quantifying and adding some measure of scientific rigor to aid, but not replace, clinical judgments. An assessment of the level of suicidal risk posed by an officer can assist in developing an appropriate plan of intervention, which can include individual therapy, crisis intervention, medication, or hospitalization. Sample risk-assessment forms are provided.