Police suicide: The hidden danger

Suicide is the consequence of a hidden danger in law enforcement. It is an indicator of the intolerable strain of police work and life away from work. Witnessing death, abused children, and inordinate stress weigh heavily as precipitants to depression and suicide among police. Culturally approved alcohol use, maladaptive coping, firearms availability, lack of adequate support, and exposure to psychologically adverse incidents all add to this suicide nexus. This chapter examines several areas of police suicide. First, a short description of relevant research which suggests that police suicide is higher than the United States general working population. Second, an examination of etiological factors that may increase the risk for suicide among police. Third, how police suicide can be prevented and what are the impediments to prevention. Fourth, the protective characteristic of resiliency and how, along with the organization, it can help to lessen psychological harm in officers. As we look further into this topic, our inquiries emphasize the urgent need for future research and pathways to prevention.