There Is Hope: A Training Program for Suicide Awareness and Suicide Potential (From Suicide and Law Enforcement, P 159-164, 2001, Donald C. Sheehan and Janet I. Warren, eds. -- See NCJ-193528)

• NCJ Number: 193543
• Author(s): Eugene Schmuckler
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: US Dept of Justice
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: A paper submitted to the Suicide and Law Enforcement Conference, FBI Academy, Quantico, VA, September 1999.

Annotation

This article describes and assesses the elements of Georgia's Suicide Awareness Program.

Abstract

The Suicide Awareness Program, which was established in the late 1990's, was stimulated by a series of closely spaced officer suicides in Georgia. The program is intended primarily for police managers as a means of assisting them in the development of policies and programs that can assist in countering and preventing factors in the police organization and police tasks that may increase the risk for officer suicides. The primary objectives of the Suicide Awareness Program are to assist police managers in identifying a suicidal person, in taking appropriate action, and in making proper referrals. Specific learning objectives include determining depressive symptoms, suicide warning signs, and preventive measures; making proper referrals; encouraging positive action; and providing services to suicide survivors. The program involves guiding participants through a number of scenarios that require recognition of and services for officers at risk for suicide. Although program objectives have been somewhat impeded by participant resistance to changes in perspective, there is evidence that the program has led to an increased recognition of early warning signs and services for officers at risk for suicide.