Suicide is argued to be a leading cause of death in the United States for several years. People on certain career paths are more susceptible to committing suicide and/or having suicidal ideation than others; law enforcement officers are members of one such group of people who are at high risk. There is an elevated rate of suicide among police officers, which is logical, as being a police officer is arguably one of the most dangerous jobs for one to have. This is said, as police officers’ lives and safety are in danger on a daily basis. Before the causes, effects, prevention strategies, and issues with police suicide rates and research can be discussed, the problem and its background must be outlined.
Background on Police Suicide and Suicidal …show more content…
Essentially, law enforcement officers “appear to be at a higher risk for suicide than other populations” (Violanti, Vena, & …show more content…
100). According to Violanti et al. (1996b), through analyzing death certificates and conducting research, multiple studies from the 1960s and 1970s found that the suicide rate among police officers is almost twice as high as when compared to certain occupations in the public. In these studies, they also concluded that the police ranked in the top highest for occupational suicide rates. Furthermore, suicidal ideation is typically the initial and greatest indicator of even “more serious suicidal behaviors” (Reynolds, 1991). Uncovering suicidal ideation is of extreme importance, as revealing suicidal thoughts or intent from earlier on may prevent, or at the very least, reduce the likelihood of an officer committing suicide (Shea, 2009). However, uncovering this vital information may prove to be a difficult task because oftentimes, people, especially police officers who are supposed to be citizens’ protectors, are unwilling to express these ‘cowardly’ thoughts; this is said as, they may believe that admitting to having those thoughts may make them appear weak or inadequate. Also, they may not disclose their thoughts because they truly wish to die and see no logic in
Background on Police Suicide and Suicidal …show more content…
Essentially, law enforcement officers “appear to be at a higher risk for suicide than other populations” (Violanti, Vena, & …show more content…
100). According to Violanti et al. (1996b), through analyzing death certificates and conducting research, multiple studies from the 1960s and 1970s found that the suicide rate among police officers is almost twice as high as when compared to certain occupations in the public. In these studies, they also concluded that the police ranked in the top highest for occupational suicide rates. Furthermore, suicidal ideation is typically the initial and greatest indicator of even “more serious suicidal behaviors” (Reynolds, 1991). Uncovering suicidal ideation is of extreme importance, as revealing suicidal thoughts or intent from earlier on may prevent, or at the very least, reduce the likelihood of an officer committing suicide (Shea, 2009). However, uncovering this vital information may prove to be a difficult task because oftentimes, people, especially police officers who are supposed to be citizens’ protectors, are unwilling to express these ‘cowardly’ thoughts; this is said as, they may believe that admitting to having those thoughts may make them appear weak or inadequate. Also, they may not disclose their thoughts because they truly wish to die and see no logic in