Police Suicide: Can it be prevented? (continued)
by John M. Violanti, Ph.D.

Family Involvement
Seminars should be given for police recruits and their families so they understand the psychological effects of police work. Marital problems can be a most significant stress-producing factor in the suicidal police officer. The New York City study, for example, found that 58% of police suicides in New York City were the result of relationship problems with family or significant others. Counseling services should be made available to families and officers.

Training
Training which can help officers recognize and avoid psychological factors leading to suicide is important. Training should begin at the police academy level and include recognition of psychological depression, communication skills, conflict resolution, and intimate relationship maintenance. Supervisors can be an important source of support for line officers and should be trained to recognize the warning signs of suicide and suggest confidential referrals.

Stress Awareness
Stress awareness is a psychologically sound method to help individuals cope. A stress education program should include identification of stress, the value and techniques of physical exercise, benefits of proper nutrition, interpersonal communication methods, and coping styles. Stress education on the family level should include identification of the police function, problems commonly encountered in police marriages, methods for effective communication, and the family as a source of support.

Executive
Executive level training in suicide awareness is also important. Executives can play a very important role in supportive functions, including organizational change and assistance with line officer problems. "Support from the top" can give officers an impression that the organization cares. Also, executive are not immune to the effects of police, work, they too have the potential for suicide.

Intervention
Not only can an effective intervention effort save officers' lives, but it can also safeguard agencies from the devastating effects of suicide. To facilitate officers in taking the first difficult step to intervention, the police organization should develop and increase accessibility to confidential psychological services. Essentially, officers need a safe place to go for help, out of administrative view.

Retirement Counseling
Suicide rates are high among retired officers. Retirement is not an easy transition for most people, and even more difficult for police officers. Many officers do not have skills for other types of employment and are unprepared for retirement. Informational seminars and counseling should be made available to officers as early as five years prior to retirement. Spouses and other family members should be included in such seminars.

Conclusion
As is true with addressing any problem, the first step is to recognize that the problem exists. With regard to police suicide, police departments must take that important first step. Even one police suicide is too many, and agencies must be proactive in their attempt to prevent such tragedies. Return to Articles

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