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NCJRS Abstract



NCJ Number: 166738 Find in a Library
Title: Police Suicide: Epidemic in Blue
Author(s): J M Violanti
Date Published: 1996
Page Count: 122
Sponsoring Agency: Charles C. Thomas
Springfield, IL 62704
Publication Number: ISBN 0-398-06665-5
Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
2600 South First Street
Springfield, IL 62704
United States of America
Type: Issue Overview
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Annotation: A researcher who was a police officer for 23 years examines police suicide, with emphasis on recent findings about causes, prevention, and impacts on survivors and services for them.
Abstract: The text provides an overview of police suicide and describes 18 cases that demonstrate common suicide risk factors such as psychological difficulties, alcohol abuse, stress, and problems in relationships. The analysis notes that suicide may be considered a potentially higher risk to police officers when compared to deaths from homicides and accidents and fatalities in other occupations. The review of precipitating factors that may be present in police suicide considers police occupational stress, particularly traumatic stress; the availability of firearms; the prevalent abuse of alcohol in the profession; and the difficulties involved in retiring from police work. The author proposes a new theory of police suicide, based on the role constriction that results from organizational and peer influences. The text also suggests ways to prevent police suicide through the provision of organizationally sponsored and confidential psychological services and training in suicide awareness. The New York City police suicide prevention program is also discussed. The multiple impacts of police suicide on survivors and the role of police support in reducing psychological distress among survivors are also explained. Tables, subject and author indexes, and approximately 200 references
Main Term(s): Police deaths
Index Term(s): Police occupational stress; Suicide; Suicide causes; Suicide prevention; Survivors services
Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.
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